Rajasthan Royals (RR) will breathe a sigh of relief, as they beat the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by three wickets in a last-over thriller to make a comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The host banked on Krishnappa Gowtham’s last-over heroics, as he struck ten runs to give his team the much-needed win.
Gowtham played a magical knock of 33 runs off just 11 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and two sixes to take his team home.
Moreover, Sanju Samson (52) and Ben Stokes (40) also provided good support to take the team closer to the target.
However, previously, Mumbai batting first, posted 167 runs on the board with Surya Kumar Yadav (72) and Ishan Kishan (58) scoring the bulk of the runs. Debutant Jofra Archer was stunning with the ball, as he bagged three for 22 in his four overs. Dhawal Kulkarni also claimed two crucial wickets at the start of the innings.
Meanwhile, this win will push Rajasthan to the fifth spot with three wins from three games.
Here is the players rating of the Royals:
Ajinkya Rahane (c): (4.5/10)
Ajinkya Rahane failed to capitalise on the starts, as he departed scoring 14 runs off 17 balls.
However, he will be a happy man to find his team combination going.
Rahul Tripathi: (3.5/10)
Tripathi was sent up the order but failed to impress with the bat. He scored nine runs, as Rajasthan lost two early wickets. He needs to score runs quickly to retain his spot.
Sanju Samson: (7/10)
Samson was back at his best with a well-made 52 off just 39 deliveries. However, most importantly he steadied the ship along with Ben Stokes and took the team closer to the target. Samson will look to continue with his form and contribute to Rajasthan’s success.
Ben Stokes: (7.5/10)
The all-rounder from England had finally started to find his touch back with the bat. Stokes scored 40 runs off just 27 deliveries to help his team inch closer to the victory.
However, he was a bit expensive with the ball giving away 31 runs in his three overs.
Heinrich Klaasen: (0/10)
Klaasen is yet to make a mark in the league in the two matches he has played so far.
He went for first ball duck against the Mumbai and will be raring to score some runs with the bat.
Jos Buttler (wk): (2/10)
Buttler had a poor outing, as he struggled to get going with the bat. He scored six runs from eight deliveries leaving Rajasthan in deep trouble.
He has to come good in the middle-order if Rajasthan has to continue the winning momentum.
Krishnappa Gowtham: (8.5/10)
Gowtham was the star for the Royals today, as he brought them to winning ways.
He bowled three tight overs before scoring 31 runs off 11 deliveries to take his team home with two balls to spare.
Jofra Archer: (9/10)
The pacer had a dream debut in the biggest T20 league in the world. He returned with three for 22 in his four overs and was outstanding with his variation. Archer’s form will be crucial for Rajasthan in the upcoming fixtures.
Dhawal Kulkarni: (7/10)
Thr right-arm fast bowler had an average game, as he returned with two for 32 in his four overs.
However, Kulkarni will have to be more economical in Rajasthan’s upcoming matches.
Shreyas Gopal: (2/10)
The leg-spinner had a very bad outing, as he gave away 30 runs in two overs. Rahane didn’t risk him by giving him two more overs to complete his quota. Gopal will likely make a strong comeback in the next game.
Jaydev Unadkat: (6/10)
The costliest fast bowler in the league, Unadkat had a very average outing for the Rajasthan. He returned with one for 31 in his four overs. However, the seamer is yet to perform to his full potential in the league.