Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday (May 13) night bagged the crucial two points as they defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) comfortably by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
Batting first, Mumbai posted a moderate 168 runs after a brilliant opening stand. Suryakumar Yadav (38) and Evin Lewis (60) added 87 runs for the first wicket.
However, some brilliant bowling by the Royals in the middle-overs contained the free flow of runs. A late cameo from Hardik Pandya (36) ensured they cross the 150-run mark.
Meanwhile, in reply, Jos Buttler single-handedly won the game for the visitors. He remained unbeaten on 94 off just 53 balls including nine fours and five sixes to see his team through.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson also provided good support to the Royals as they reached the target with 12 balls to spare.
As a result, Rajasthan jumps up to the fifth spot with 12 points from 12 games.
Here is the players rating of Rajasthan Royals:
Jos Buttler (wk): (9.9/10)
Jos Buttler’s prime form with the bat continues as he once again presented an unbeaten match-winning knock.
The Englishman saw his team by scoring 94 runs including nine boundaries and five sixes.
Buttler’s form will be a huge boost for Rajasthan and they will want him to continue this form.
D Arcy Short: (3/10)
The swashbuckling opener from Australia, D’Arcy Short’s poor form with the bat continues.
Returning to the playing he failed to make a mark as he managed to score only fours runs.
The Royals will look to find a suitable opening combination in the next game.
Ajinkya Rahane (c): (7/10)
Ajinkya Rahane played a second-hand to Buttler. The skipper rotated the strike giving more opportunities to Buttler to free his hand.
Rahane departed scoring 37 runs and will look to carry the momentum in the next game.
Sanju Samson: (6.5/10)
Sanju Samson continued his good form but failed to finish off the game. He scored 26 runs off 14 deliveries to take his closer to the victory.
Rajasthan camp will want Samson to continue his prime form in the business end of the league.
Ben Stokes: (6.5/10)
The all-rounder Ben Stokes gave an improved performance with the ball against the defending champions.
Stokes returned two for 26 in his four overs as he restricted the free run flow.
Meanwhile, Stokes didn’t get the opportunity but will look to put some runs under his belt.
Stuart Binny: (1/10)
All-rounder Stuart Binny had no role to play in tonight’s game against Mumbai. However, he will look contribute in the next fixture.
Jofra Archer: (8.5/10)
Jofra Archer’s inclusion in the side has certainly strengthened Rajasthan’s bowling. He has performed consistently and did the job once again.
He contained the inform Mumbai batting unit as he returned with two for 16 in his four overs.
Krishnappa Gowtham: (3/10)
Krishnappa Gowtham had a rare off-day in business. After putting in a string of commendable efforts, the all-rounder was taken for 23 runs from two overs.
He will be eager to bounce back strongly in the next game.
Shreyas Gopal: (3.5/10)
The leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal had an off-day in business as he went 21 runs in two overs.
Gopal has had a very average tournament as he lost his place in the last few games.
However, he needs to step up and contribute to Rajasthan’s success.
Jaydev Unadkat: (5/10)
The costliest fast bowler from this auction Jaydev Unadkat is yet to set the stage on fire. Unadkat returned with one for 37 in his four overs.
He needs to improve his game and justify the whopping price tag.
Dhawal Kulkarni: (4.5/10)
Dhawal Kulkarni had an off day in business as he gave away 43 runs in his four overs claiming one wicket.
Pacer will have to lift his game to retain his place in the playing XI of Rajasthan Royals.
Also read: Chennai Super Kings Players Rating
