Little-known Sanju seals it for Royals
Rajasthan Royals have an unnerving habit of throwing up unknown talents and on Monday, they unearthed yet another name in Sanju Samson.
Sanju, who? Most would have asked at the mention of the 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, but the Royals’ youngster ensured he will remembered for a long time, as he set up a dramatic four-wicket over the Royal Challengers Bangalore here on Monday afternoon. This was RR’s fifth successive win at the venue.
Chasing a daunting 171/6, Rajasthan Royals knew attack was the only way out. And a dazzling display from Sanju and an all-round performance from Shane Watson held them in good stead.
The teenager from Kerala, playing only his second IPL game this season, tore into the experienced RCB attack. He batted with confidence and even with the asking rate soaring, he kept his cool. His 41-ball 63 contained seven boundaries and two delightful sixes — both off Murali Kartik — and an array of innovative shots.
With Watson, he raised 68 runs (46 balls) for the third wicket, and by the time he departed in the 15th over, RR were smelling victory.
It though wasn’t without drama. With 30 required from the last 18 balls, and Watson (41, 31 balls) and Brad Hodge (32, 18 balls) going great guns, it looked easy at that stage.
Hodge’s two towering sixes in a Ravi Rampaul over brought it down to 13 from the last two. RCB though kept up the pressure, with R.P. Singh removing Watson in the 19th over.
Needing six from the final six deliveries, Vinay Kumar — who had earlier spurred Bangalore to 171 with his 6ball 22 in the final over — threatened to pull off a match-winning show removing Hodge and Owais Shah, but the Royals held their nerve for a crucial win. James Faulkner stole a single, while Stuart Binny slammed a four as the hosts cruised past the target with a ball to spare.
In the afternoon, Chris Gayle looked set for yet another onslaught before Rajasthan pulled the brakes on him.
The burly batsman decimated the Royals’ attack in the first three overs itself, racing to 34 in 16 balls (6x4, 1x6), taking RCB to 39/0.
Watson (3/22) provided the breakthrough and it slowed down the innings considerably.
Kohli and Abhinav Mukund built on from there on, and even though the sixes and boundaries were a rarity the team ensured the singles flowed freely.
The 100-mark came in 13.1 overs, and the late cameo from Vinay helped them post a competitive total, that was ultimately not good enough to breach Fortress Jaipur.