When the world was counting them off, Rajasthan Royals’ players made sure that all was not over for them as Shane Watson-led side rode to victory over the talented Sunrisers Hyderabad.
When the world was counting them off, Rajasthan Royals’ players made sure that all was not over for them as Shane Watson-led side rode to victory over the talented Sunrisers Hyderabad. A patient half-century by Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane gave the Royals some hope in the chase of a meagre target of 134. The Mumbai batsman shared a 77-run fourth wicket partnership with Stuart Binny (48 not out) to rescue the Blues after they were in trouble at 31-3 in 6.2 overs.
Chasing 134 to win in foreign conditions is not an easy task especially when the oppositon attack bowler is Dale Steyn. The Hyderabad side ran riot over the Rajasthan top order which saw the back of Abhishek Nayar (4), Sanju Samson (3) and skipper Shane Watson (3).
Even as the Sunrisers were creeping in the game, opener Rahane dug in his heels and started to weave a partnership with all-rounder Binny. The duo played sensible cricket as they kept taking ones and twos, besides the odd boundaries, to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Earlier, the Royals’ bowlers produced a discipline performance with the ball as they restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to 133 for 6. Rajat Bhatia (2/22), Dhawal Kulkarni (2/23), Kane Richarson (2/25) and Pravin Tambe (0/23) were the heroes for Watson.
Even though skipper Shikhar Dhawan (38) and David Warner (32) shared a 77-run stand, the Hyderabad team failed to take the advantage of this and were shut out by Rajasthan.
Rajashtan Royals are looking a solid unit this season and with more games to come, they can be counted in the Championship. As far as the Sunrisers Hyderabad are concerned, Dhawan needs to get his strategies right if they are to maintain a title bid.
