IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane Thanks Royals, Government for 'Supporting Initiative' With Cancer Patients

Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) registered a sensational victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets with a delivery to spare. Jos Buttler was again at his imperious best and smashed a match-winning unbeaten knock. It was eventually a strong batting performance by Rajasthan which eventually helped them register their fifth victory in the tournament.

Courtesy the victory, Rajasthan kept their chances of playoffs in the tournament alive. It proved quite a brilliant performance by Rajasthan in the end. They eventually chased down the total of 177 in the final over.

Earlier in the day, Super Kings posted a commendable total of 176 in their allotted 20 overs. Suresh Raina played a brilliant knock of 52 of just 35 deliveries which were instrumental in helping Chennai post a relatively big total.

Chennai lost Ambati Rayudu quite early. However, Shane Watson also stitched together a 86 runs partnership with Raina.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni also scored a quickfire 33 of just 23 deliveries which included a four and a six. Sam Billings scored 27 of just 20 deliveries and stitched together a useful partnership of 27 runs of 22 balls.

In the end, Chennai eventually reached a total of 176 in their allotted 20 overs. Jofra Archer was the pick of the Rajasthan bowlers bagging a couple of wickets. However, he went for 42 runs in his 4 -over spell which helped them reach a respectable total.

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Rajasthan got off to a pretty fluent start. Buttler again provided a brilliant start. Ben Stokes was promoted up the order. However, he was dismissed pretty early just when Buttler was going hammers and tongs.

Sanju Samson also shared a useful partnership with Buttler. Krishnappa Gowtham struck a couple of mammoth sixes which was instrumental in helping Rajasthan chase the total down.

In the final over, Buttler smashed a brilliant six and a four which eventually sealed the deal for Rajasthan.

Here is what the winning skipper Ajinkya Rahane said at the post-match presentation

“As I always mention, this format is always about giving your best every day. Buttler’s consistent batting at the top is magnificent. KG’s knock was crucial. I was nervous, but sometimes you have to control your emotions as a captain and we all had a feeling that Buttler will take us through. The way he handled the spinners was too good. He’s learning a lot, spending time with the experienced players and Warnie. Not easy bowling in the powerplay (talking about Gowtham),” Rahane said during the presentation.

“It’s all about taking one game at a time right now. Now going to Mumbai, we all know how dangerous a side they are. Would like to thank Rajasthan Royals and Rajasthan government for supporting this initiative with cancer patients,” Rahane asserted.

 

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