The hype surrounding the game was mainly because of the two legends of Indian cricket – Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar who will be seen playing in the format for the last time but that did not affect the rest of Royals players as the coasted to a thumping win over the mighty Mumbai Indians in the Champions League opener on Saturday.
The hype surrounding the game was mainly because of the two legends of Indian cricket – Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar who will be seen playing in the format for the last time but that did not the rest of Royals players as the coasted to a thumping win over the mighty Mumbai Indians in the Champions League opener on Saturday.
After winning the toss, Dravid-led Rajasthan put Mumbai into bat after a delayed start due to rain. Royals’ bowlers were on spot with line and length as they limited the IPL champions to 142 for seven in 20 overs.
In reply, it was again upcoming Indian batting sensation Sanju Samson who scored a brillaint 54, starred with the bat while other contributions came from opener Ajinkya Rahane (33), Stuart Binny (27 not out) and Aussie Shane Watson (27 not out). The two icons – Rajasthan skipper Dravid and Tendulkar did not add much to the game. Tendulkar (15) departed after hitting three fours while Dravid (1) was out in the second over of Rajasthan innings.
The Mumbai Indians’ bowlers were unable to unsettle the Rajasthan batsmen. Rohit Sharma and co. literally missed the services of their strike bowler, Lasith Malinga
Brief scores:
Mumbai Indians 142 for seven in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 44, Kieron Pollard 42; Vikramjeet Malik 3/24), Rajasthan Royals 148 for three in 19.4 overs (Sanju Samson 54, Shane Watson 27 n.o, Stuart Binny 27 n.o)
