Xtra Time Web Desk: With their backs to the wall, Rajasthan Royals have sealed a stunning 5 wickets win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match No 26 of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Stadium. On the hunt for 159 the Rajasthan Royals looked down and out at 78/5, but a match-winning partnership between Man of the Match Rahul Tewatia (45* off 28) and Riyan Parag (42* off 26) has kept their season alive. Most importantly, it has snapped a four-game losing streak and allows them to reset for the second half of their 2020 campaign.
Lauding the performances of the two youngsters, RR Captain Steve Smith said, “I thought Rahul and Riyan as a young kid showed great composure.”
Rajasthan got a huge boost in this match with England all rounder Ben Stokes finally playing his first match of the season. Opening the batting with his countrymen Buttler, Stokes just managed 5 runs before being bowled out by Khaleel Ahmed.
“Stokesy obviously didn’t come off tonight. Our top four didn’t fire, but today showed our depth. With Stokesy back it brings a nice balance to us. He’s been impressive, hasn’t he? Just thrives in pressure situations. You bring in his bowling and fielding to it and he’s a terrific player for us,” said Smith about Stokes at the post match ceremony.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain David Warner was visibly upset to end up on the losing side. According to Warner, “We couldn’t get across the line there but it happens in cricket.”
On being asked about getting Rashid Khan to bowl in the death, Warner said, “We’ve done it in the past, we’ve held him back and try and nullify some runs, but these two played exceptionally well. Tonight we probably – we didn’t miss-execute, but some of the decisions at the top of the mark weren’t there. And we probably bowled the wrong ball at the time.”
Finally, in spite of the loss the SRH skipper see a lot of positives from the match.
“Lots of positives coming out and we’ll take it on to the next game. We need to work out as these wickets get tired, how to bat through the first six and the middle, and then assess with our bowling,” said Warner.