Rahul Tewatia, the all-rounder of Rajasthan Royals, reckoned that it was a do or die game for his side as they thrashed Kings XI Punjab on Friday to keep their playoffs hopes alive.
Chasing a stiff target of 186, England all-rounder Ben Stokes provided the flying start for the Rajasthan Royals. Ben Stokes smashed 50 off 26 balls studded with three sixes and six fours after taking a stunning catch besides picking 2 wickets. Sanju Samson too scored 48 with 4 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Rahul Tewatia: Rajasthan Royals Showed Intent On The Field
It was an all-round performance by the Rajasthan Royals batsman Ben Stokes as they sealed a comfortable win by 7 wickets against Kings XI Punjab to end their five-match winning streak.
“Overall the performance was, we showed intent in the field. It was a do or die game so we had to give 100 per cent. And the way Jofra started, we gained momentum at that point,” said Tahul Tewatia in the post-match press conference.
Ben Stokes himself took a brilliant catch to dismiss KXIP opening batsman Mandeep Singh in the very first over. Rahul Tewatia also took a stunning catch which ended Nicholas Pooran’s cameo in the 18th over as he fell after scoring a brisk 22 off 10 balls including 3 sixes.
“Our batters are taking responsibility. Initially, we were losing wickets in the powerplay but it isn’t the case anymore. We concentrated on fielding during our practice and Ben Stokes fielded very well and took a brilliant catch. He is one of the best fielders of our team,” said Tewatia.
“Talking about my catch, I was right at the boundary rope and I made my jump at the right time to take the catch.
Rajasthan Royals won both their games against Kings XI Punjab after KXIP failed to defend 223 in their first match against Rajasthan in IPL 2020. Rahul Tewatia was the hero in that match scoring 53 with 7 sixes while Sanju Samson too scored 85.
Rahul Tewatia: Middle Order Becomes Strong Because Of Ben Stokes Providing Start
Rahul Tewatia feels the Rajasthan Royals’ middle order has become strong as they are now getting a good start up the order especially with Ben Stokes opening the innings. Ben Stokes has played 7 matches scoring 267 runs averaging 44.5 with 1 century and 1 fifty so far in IPL 2020 after arriving late in UAE.
“Our middle order has become strong because of the top order performance and the way Stokes has been providing us with starts it is a really a positive sign,” said Tewatia.
The Rajasthan Royals are now at fifth in the points table and will next lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. Rajasthan Royals are placed 5th behind Kings XI Punjab based on Net Run Rate although both teams have 12 points each.
Chris Gayle scored 99 off 63 balls, but it wasn’t enough for KXIP who were restricted to 185/4 after brilliant bowling once again from Jofra Archer, and MoM Ben Stokes both managed to pick two wickets apiece.