The playoff scenario is getting interesting with each passing day in IPL 2020. All the teams at the bottom have started winning matches of late and are making things difficult for the top sides. Tonight, Rajasthan pulled off a magnificent victory against Kings XI Punjab by seven wickets. Ben Stokes (50), Sanju Samson (48) and Steve Smith (31*) helped RR in chasing a target of 186. For KXIP, it was Chris Gayle (99) and KL Rahul (48) who played sensational innings.
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first. They got a good start in the beginning as Mandeep Singh got out in the first over itself. However, the happiness didn’t last for long as KL Rahul and Chris Gayle made a stunning partnership of 120 runs for the second wickets. When the duo was looking dangerous, Ben Stokes dismissed Rahul. Then Gayle made a good stand with Nicholas Pooran. Once again, Stokes gave a break by dismissing Pooran. Gayle didn’t lose his cool even though the wickets are falling on the other end. He played some exquisite shots which were a great treat to watch out. When it was certain that he would make his century, Jofra Archer took his wicket when he was on 99. By the end of 20 overs, Punjab managed to score 185/4.
Royals got a perfect start while chasing this big total. Opener Ben Stokes had hit all over the park right from the beginning. He scored a half-century in just 25 balls. Right after completing the half-century, Stokes got out in the bowling of Chris Jordan. After that, Sanju Samson and Robin Uthappa kept the scoreboard going. They made a partnership of 51 runs for the second wicket. When he was looking dangerous, Uthappa got dismissed by Murugan Ashwin. Very soon, Samson got out with an unfortunate run-out. Then, Steve Smith and Jos Buttler have finished off the formalities for Rajasthan. Their contribution helped RR in scoring 186/3 in just 17.3 overs.
Scorecard:
Kings XI Punjab: 185/4 (C Gayle 99, KL Rahul 46, J Archer 2/26)
Rajasthan Royals: 186/3 (B Stokes 50, S Samson 48, M Ashwin 1/43)