Sanju Samson’s sensational innings (74), followed by Steve Smith’s timely performance (69) and a thumping end by Jofra Archer (27*) ensured Rajasthan win its first game of Dream11 IPL 2020 against the mighty Chennai Super Kings. Chasing a massive total of 217, Chennai managed to score 200 in 20 overs. Faf du Plessis impressed yet again by scoring another half-century but none of the other Chennai’s middle-order batsmen rose up to the occasion. This is Chennai’s first loss in the season 13.
After losing the toss, Rajasthan started batting with their new opening pair Yashaswi Jaiswal and Steve Smith. This is the first time Smith opened since he started his international career. Young player Yashaswi Jaiswal failed to make an impact and fell right in the second over. Sanju Samson, who came one down the order, then started hitting along with Steve Smith. Samson made his half-century in just 19 balls. After a 132 run partnership, Samson was dismissed in Ngidi’s bowling. Soon, Miller got run-out for a duck. The batsmen kept falling on the other side but Smith continued to score well. After making a dependable 69, he got out in Sam Curran’s bowling. Tail-ender Jofra Archer created havoc in the last over bowled by Ngidi by hitting four consecutive sixes. By getting 30 runs in the last over, RR finished at 216/7. Chennai’s Piyush Chawla and Lungi Ngidi conceded 55 and 56 runs in their respective overs.
Chennai got a good start chasing the total. Openers Shane Watson and Murali Vijay made a 56 run stand for the first wicket. Rahul Tewatia dismissed Watson in the seventh over, when he was looking dangerous. Within no gap, even Vijay got dismissed as well. Then came Sam Curran who made a little crackling cameo and got stumped. Later, Kedhar Jadhav got out after a decent score. MS Dhoni made an entry when the required rate was very high. He never tried to lift the innings. du Plessis gave his best but he didn’t get any support from the other end. Eventually, Chennai fell 16 runs short of the total. RR’s young Rahul Tewatia impressed by taking 3 wickets.
Scorecard:
Rajasthan Royals: 216/7 (Samson 74, Smith 69, Sam Curran 3/33)
Chennai Super Kings: 200/6 (du Plessis 72, Watson 33, Rahul Tewatia 3/37)