RR win as Dube, Jaiswal put Ruturaj’s ton in the shade

Ruturaj Gaikwad's magnificent unbeaten century went in vain as Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets.

Chasing 190, Yashasvi Jaiswal (50) and Shivam Dube (64 not out off 42 balls) hit half-centuries as RR reached 190 for 3 in 17.3 overs to win the match. Sanju Samson and Evin Lewis contributed 28 and 27 respectively in a show of batting prowess.

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad continued his red hot form with a magnificent century as Chennai Super Kings scored an imposing 189/4.

Gaikwad struck as many as nine fours and five sixes in his 60-ball 101 not out to make a mockery of Royals' bowling attack in their 12th round encounter. Some of his shots in the off-side region would be remembered for times to come.

Ravindra Jadeja (32 not out off 15 balls) scythed trough the Royals attack at the backend as CSK added 55 runs in only 3.4 overs.

In fact, in the final over, Jadeja faced four deliveries, leaving Gaikwad with two deliveries and he pulled Mustafizur Rahman off the final delivery to complete the coveted landmark.

For the Royals, leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia (3/39 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler but his joy of getting three scalps was spoilt by Gaikwad with two backto-back sixes -- one over longoff and other into the sightscreen.

The sixes over mid-wicket off left-arm seamers Akash Singh and Mustafizur were delightful as it landed at least 20 yards behind the ropes into the grass banks.

The Punekar is not someone who is muscular but a “strong core” and stable base allows him to maintain shape while going for the big shots as Royals found out on the day.

The manner in which he came down the track and lofted Chetan Sakariya for an inside-out boundary made it look as if he was tackling a spinner with enough time at his disposal.