Wanted To Capitalize On The Hard New Ball As I Did Against Mumbai Indians: Ben Stokes

Rajasthan Royals’ all-rounder Ben Stokes captured the man of the match award for the second successive side as he led his side’s chase of 186 in Abu Dhabi against Kings XI Punjab. Ben Stokes played a vital role in all three facets of the game, breaking Kings XI Punjab’s five-match winning streak. Ben Stokes highlighted a few days gap between the last and this game as a significant reason behind the victory.

Ben Stokes played a crucial role in getting the first wicket of Mandeep Singh in the opening over off Jofra Archer’s bowling, taking a scintillating diving catch. With the ball, Stokes’ variations were critical on a slow and stoppy pitch, ending with figures of 4-0-32-2, claiming the wickets of KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran. Despite Chris Gayle’s sparkling innings of 99, KXIP ended with 185 on a dewy track.

Ben Stokes came out all guns blazing as he did against the Mumbai Indians at the same venue a few days ago. The 28-year old left-handed batsman smashed 50 off 24 deliveries and perished in the sixth over to Chris Jordan. The chase did not stutter as Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Steve Smith, and Jos Buttler all were amongst the runs to drive the Rajasthan Royals home.

“Had a good couple of days training before this” : Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes admitted that Rajasthan Royals are barely hanging in there and got nothing to lose. The Kiwi-born felt delighted with the victory and highlighted that he went in with the same approach as against Mumbai Indians. The break from their last fixture gave the side enough time to prepare for the game and train adequately.

“When you ate in a position that we are as a team, there is nothing to lose. We are just hanging in. Very happy with the win. I went in with the same mentality as against Mumbai, to capitalise on the hard new ball. We had a decent break from our last game. I have had a few days off. Had a good couple of days training before this,” Stokes told in the post-match presentation.

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