Riding on Sanju Samson’s brilliant fifty, Rajasthan Royals posted a daunting target of 217 for 4 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
On the very expected lines, Royal Challengers skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bowl first. Ajinkya Rahane and D’Arcy Short made a cautious start with the former taking his chances while the latter struggled to get going.
The duo added 49 runs off 33 balls before Chris Woakes sent back the Royals skipper. Rahane scored 36 off 20 with the help of 6 fours and a six. 4 runs later, Short’s painful stay at the crease came to an end after he edged an Yuzvendra Chahal delivery behind the stumps. The Australian took 17 balls to contribute 11 runs to the scoreboard.
Sanju Samson and Ben Stokes then took charge of the innings. The duo played some delightful shots to add 49 runs before Chahal castled Stokes for 27. Samson was then joined in by Jos Buttler. In the meantime, Samson completed his fifty off 34 balls and was well supported by Buttler as the duo took the score past 150-run mark.
The duo shifted gears in the slog overs and runs started to flow for the visitors. The duo added 73 runs off 36 balls to lay the platform for a huge total before Buttler departed. Samson, however, remained till the end, scoring 92 off 45 to help his side post the huge total. His innings was studded with 10 sixes and a couple of fours.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the innings:
Sanju Samson is an unbelievable player … makes it look far too easy … he is going to be a superstar .. @rajasthanroyals #IPL #India
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 15, 2018
Now that is what you expect from a player of the undeniable class of Sanju Samson. Not pretty 30s and 40s but biggies. What an innings this was…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 15, 2018
With this talent Sanju Samson should have been playing for India. Amazing through-the-line shots. Effortless #RCBvRR
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 15, 2018
Samson is the most non violent six hitter you can hope to see #RCBvRR
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) April 15, 2018
Effortless six hitting!! Lazy elegance about each of his last few hits Sanju Samson. Clearing the ropes with ease. Fantastic innings. This will take some getting @RCBTweets #RCBvRR
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) April 15, 2018
Sanju Samson has been consistently impressive since 2013 but has only manifested his brilliance in intermittent bursts.. This is an imperiously superlative innings! Hope he'll be more consistent from now on.. treat to watch #RCBvRR #IPL2018 @SanjuSamsonTeam
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) April 15, 2018
#UdtaUmesh back to normal.
RCB be like – pic.twitter.com/KDg1rZAOuW
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 15, 2018
This is class batting from Samson. Just high class striking. That sweet sound of the willow when it meets the leather and the subsequent mesmerising flow of the bat.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) April 15, 2018
Ben Stokes taking the precautions after that " punching" incident, he is not even punching the ball.#RCBvRR
— sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) April 15, 2018
Jitne ka Ben Stokes khareeda utne mein toh pura Rajasthan 5 saal Bisleri pita. #RCBvRR
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 ? (@RoflGandhi_) April 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/SamreenRazzaqui/status/985430618006700032
Short hits a short ball towards the shorter side of the ground and is pulled in just short of the boundary..#RCBvRR #PowerYourDream
— The Lying Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) April 15, 2018
D'Archy Short should be sent back to Australia with immediate effect, the school tournament has been started there.#RCBvRR
— sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) April 15, 2018
Stokes and Samson scoring freely in fruitful partnership, Butler still to come. Looking ominous for @RCBTweets. Wouldn't want to chase too many more than 160. Need a wicket or two soon #PowerYourGame
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 15, 2018
Rahane was facing criticism for his tardy pace of run-making. Looked to amends today, unleashed some terrific strokes, but unfortunately for @rajasthanroyals, ended up with a cameo. Big break for @RCBTweets, but will want Samson, Stokes and Butler cheaply too! #PowerYourGame
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 15, 2018
RCB's record in Green Jersey:
2011: Won v KTK
2012: Lost v MI
2013: Lost v KXIP
2014: Lost v CSK
2015: No result v DD
2016: Won v GL
2017: Lost v KKR
2018: ??? v RRWon just 2 of their last 7 games in Green. #RCBvRR
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) April 15, 2018
Come on @rajasthanroyals .. Lovely afternoon to quieten the @RCBTweets supporters ……. !!!!! #IPL #RCBvRR
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/rameshsrivats/status/985461412322598913