KXIP vs RR Highlights: Sanju Samson, Rahul Tewatia star as Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab in an epic chase
In an epic chase, Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab on match day 9 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season 13 at the famous Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
After skipper Smith won the toss and opted to field first, the Royals bowling unit had a nightmarish start as Punjab openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal went all guns blazing against the 2008 champions.
It was Rahul Tewatia's late onslaught in the death overs capped off a phenomenal run chase for Rajasthan Royals (RR) as Steve Smith's men emerged victorious over KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
While Rahul smashed another half-century and took the RR bowlers to the cleaners, his opening partner Agarwal overshadowed the KXIP skipper with a stupendous knock.
Agarwal played out a gem of an innings as the premier batsman notched up his maiden century in the IPL.
Ton-up Agarwal and skipper Rahul formed a 183-run stand which is now the highest partnership for KXIP franchise. Agarwal and Rahul's batting vigil is also the second-highest opening partnership in the history of IPL.
It was a run to chase record-breaking target of 224 in 20 overs, the Royals witnessed an early setback in the form of England opener Jos Buttler, who was sent packing for cheap by speed merchant Sheldon Cottrell.
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Star batsman Sanju Samson joined forces with skipper Smith as Royals remained on course to chase down the mammoth target. While Smith scored a gutsy 50 (27 balls), Samson once again emerged as the top-scorer for the Royals with a match-winning 85 off 42 balls.
Even Sachin Tendulkar took twitter to praise Rajasthan Royals.
https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1310278402465767429?s=20
https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1310258625584271361?s=20
At full stretch, Nicholas Pooran managed to catch the ball before flicking it back into play within a millisecond. Even legendary Jonty Rhodes was in awe of the West Indies star player when the KXIP fielder converted a six into a two with his Superman-esque effort at the deep.
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In order to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, Tewatia switched gears and smoked five massive sixes in Cottrell's 18th over to turn the game on its head.
Tewatia had only managed to score 17 off 23 before Cottrell's over. The RR all-rounder hit four sixes on the trot in Cottrell's 18th to make sure Rajasthan bounced back in the death overs.
-PTC News
