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The fans were finally treated with a high-scoring encounter in second phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 where it was raining sixes. Rajasthan Royals (RR) made short work of the target of 190 set by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registering a victory by seven wickets. The big win also puts Royals back into the playoffs run chase with five wins from 12 games and a superior net run rate than defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
Dube realises his potential
Shivam Dube finally scored his maiden IPL half-century. Replacing an out-of-form Riyan Parag, Dube displayed one of the cleanest hitting of the cricket in this season. The left-handed batter walked in to bat when Royals had lost two wickets and CSK were trying to make a comeback after a record performance in the powerplay overs. He took control of the run chase and showed why the franchise paid big bucks for him despite two ordinary seasons. He remained unbeaten for 64 to help RR chase down the total with 15 balls to go.
Jaiswal’s super start
Ambati Rayudu made the big mistake of dropping Yashasvi Jaiswal’s catch in the second over of the run chase. Jaiswal went on to score his maiden IPL half-century from just 19 deliveries. The left-handed batter shared a 77-run partnership with Evin Lewis to take the game away from CSK early on. Royals’ score of 81 in the powerplay overs is also their highest ever in the T20 league.
Gaikwad creates history
CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad became the youngest CSK batsman to score a century. Gaikwad accelerated in death overs to reach the three-figure mark. He took just 17 deliveries to reach his hundred after bringing up his half-century. He carried his bat and helped CSK post a total of 189 on the board with a last-ball six.
Jadeja’s mayhem
Once again, Ravindra Jadeja was at his destructive best in the death overs. Jadeja played a cameo of 32 from just 15 deliveries. The southpaw hit Mustafizur Rahman for 17 runs in the final over. At one point in the last over, it seemed like Gaikwad will remain stranded on 95 at the non-striker’s end. He shared a 55-run partnership with the opener off 22 deliveries.
Curran disappoints again
Sam Curran has been far from impressive with the ball in the second phase of this season. Curran has been given opportunities to save Dwayne Bravo for the playoffs. However, Curran has been wicketless in last two games and leaked runs left and right. The left-arm pacer went for 55 runs against Royals, one run less than the spell against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Along with the English all-rounder, Josh Hazlewood too leaked 54 runs from his quota of four overs.
