Watch IPL Videos | Scorecard | Match In Pics
Against Pune Warriors, Rahane scored a whirlwind 67 and followed it up with a smooth, unbeaten 63 against the Delhi Daredevils in what was a tricky run-chase. Here too, Rahane fashioned a run-chase in a calm manner.
It was Rahane's methodical approach which helped Rajasthan Royals notch up an eight-wicket victory over the Kings XI Punjab. The spectators were treated to some classical shot-making, as the Royals made light work of the target.
Rahane (59 off 49b, 3x4 3x6) got ample support, first from Australian Shane Watson (31 off 25b, 3x4 1x6) with whom he added 66 runs for the second wicket, and then from young Sanju Samson (47 n.o. off 33b, 5x4 1x6), the two sharing an unbroken stand of 76 runs.
Riding on Rahane's consistent performance, the Royals have now virtually sealed a spot in the playoffs, the second team after Chennai Super Kings to do so.
Earlier, Kings XI Punjab failed to capitalize on a 102-run second-wicket partnership between Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh.
It was all too familiar a start as Ajit Chandila, true to his reputation, got a wicket in his very first over, having Mandeep Singh caught and bowled for nought.
After his dismissal, Gilchrist (42 off 32b, 6x4 0x6) rolled back the years as he played an innings of substance for the first time this season. At the other end, Marsh (77 off 64b, 6x4 2x6) too was in fine form and it seemed that Punjab will reach somewhere close to 200.
But, things changed as soon as Gilchrist got out, foxed by a slower one from Kevon Cooper in the 14th over. Suddenly, the run-rate plummeted and the Royals tightened the noose around the Punjab batsmen.
David Miller, another Australian on the pitch, couldn't repeat his last-match heroics, as Cooper proved to be his nemesis. Marsh tried to keep one end going but once he fell, Kings XI could muster 145/6, which was at least 20-30 runs short on a friendly batting strip.
0 comments:
Post a Comment