IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century goes in vain as Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal seal a seven-wicket win for Rajasthan Royals
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The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi acted as a belter for the batters as Rajasthan Royals had a face-off against table-toppers Chennai Super Kings in a do-or-die match. It rained fours and sixes during the game as the players tore apart each other’s bowling line-ups. Though both Rajasthan and Chennai hammered the ball like anything all over the park, it was the Royals who emerged victorious in the end by seven wickets.
The first innings of the match saw a batting masterclass by CSK’s opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad. The batter achieved a personnel milestone during the game as he smashed his maiden century in the Indian Premier League. Though CSK had a slow start, Gaikwad picked up the pace later in the innings.
The 24-year-old remained not out at a score of 101. Ruturaj took just 60 balls to reach his maiden ton with the help of nine boundaries and five maximums at a strike rate of 168.33. The young rookie was also supported by Ravindra Jadeja in the end as the spin all-rounder ended up with 32 runs off just 15 balls.
CSK gained momentum halfway through the game as they were successful in posting a mammoth score of 189 runs on the scoreboard in their 20 overs. In response, Rajasthan Royals got off to a mind-boggling start. For RR, it was the young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal who led the attack.
Shivam Dubey shines in his first match in the UAE for Rajasthan Royals
Jaiswal stole all the thunder by hammering 50 runs off just 21 balls. The other opening batsman Evin Lewis was also quick in his approach as he added 27 runs off 12 balls. Though the Royals lost both their opening batters in the sixth over, the duo completed their job beautifully as they stitched a 77-run partnership.
As the stage was set, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube didn’t waste any time in taking the chase further. The duo didn’t give any chance to the Chennai Super Kings to make a comeback as they kept ticking the scoreboard at regular intervals. Though Samson lost his wicket at 28, it was Dube who stayed till the very end to ensure that the team crosses the line.
The seam all-rounder played a whirlwind knock of 64 runs off 42 deliveries at a strike rate of 152.38. The victory against CSK has given a lifeline to the Rajasthan Royals and they will now be eager to continue the winning momentum.
Also Read: IPL 2021: Axar Patel and Avesh Khan almost confirm a top 2 finish for Delhi Capitals
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Sakshi Jain
(270 Articles Published)