IPL 2019, Match 27: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals- The last couple of Overs Were Twitchy But We Needed the Win Says Man of the Match Jos Buttler
Apr 13, 2019 at 10:32 PM
Rajasthan Royals finally returned to winning ways as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Chasing a target of 188 runs, it was Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane who got RR off to a blazing start. After Rahane’s loss, it was Buttler who played a match-winning knock and ensured he remained at the crease till Rajasthan was within cusp of a victory. He missed out on a well deserved century by just 11 runs.
Earlier in the day it was Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane who won the toss and put the hosts in. Captain Rohit Sharma was back for the match and he came out to open the innings with Quinton de Kock. The duo looked in tremendous touch and shared a stand of 96 runs in 11 overs. Rohit Sharma looked in great touch and struck 6 fours and a six during his amazing knock of 48 of 32 deliveries.
Quinton de Kock, on the other hand, played a tremendous knock which was studded with some exceptional shots. He was dismissed of 81 of 53 deliveries but failed to press on the accelerator towards the later stages of the match. Yet again Hardik Pandya played a gem of a cameo and remained unbeaten on 28 of just 11 deliveries. His innings included a four and 3 sixes.
Chasing a par target of 188, Rajasthan Royals began brilliantly with skipper Ajinkya Rahane playing some delightful shots. Jos Buttler slowly built on his start and started taking the Mumbai Indians bowlers all around the park. The opening partnership of 60 came in just 6.2 overs and Rahane raced off to 37 of just 21 deliveries before his dismissal at the hands of Krunal Pandya.
After his wicket, it was the partnership between Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson which kept Rajasthan well in course of chasing the target down. Jos Buttler literally murdered the Mumbai Indians bowlers all around the Wankhede Stadium en route to a special knock of 89 of 43 deliveries which were studded with 8 fours and 7 sixes.
He was eventually dismissed by Rahul Chahar as he went for another big shot. Rajasthan needed 30 of the last 5 overs and should have won the match at a canter. However, there was some drama as Rajasthan kept losing wickets on a consistent basis. Eventually, it was Shreyas Gopal who struck two good blows to help Rajasthan win their 2nd match of the competition.
This is what man of the match Jos Buttler said at the post-match presentation
Obviously, a great place to come and play cricket. The last couple of overs were twitchy but we needed the win. Great to contribute to the team. I’m playing the best cricket I’ve played for a long period of time. That’s why I was disappointed to get out when I did. We’ve seen in this tournament when you give teams a bit of a sniff, they can come back. Bit nervous without gloves on, but I’ve always enjoyed fielding as well. Will take a lot of confidence from the win. Coming here and beating Mumbai is a tough task.