Xtra Time Web Desk: A scintillating 98* off 47 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal helped Rajasthan Royals to a comprehensive 9 wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2023 game at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The left hander registered the fastest fifty in IPL, reaching the milestone in just 13 balls. The record was previously held jointly by Pat Cummins and KL Rahul, who tool 14 balls to reach fifty. Another major contributor in Rajasthan’s win was leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who took 4/25. The stunning victory saw Sanju Samson’s boys jump to third spot in IPL points table.
Chasing 150 runs to win, Rajasthan reached the target in just 13.1 overs. RR captain Sanju Samson remained not out on 48 runs from 29 balls. Both Yashasvi and Samson were involved in an unbeaten partnership of 121 runs off 69 balls for the second wicket. Chahal with the four wickets took over the Purple Cap and became the highest wicket-taker in IPL history.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was on top gear from the start as he smashed Nitish Rana for 26 runs in the first over that included two sixes and three boundaries.
Earlier, Venkatesh Iyer played a useful knock of 57 off 42 balls which included 4 sixes. There was no one to give him support at the other end.
It was a remarkable turnaround by Rajasthan Royals who had lost three straight matches before their trip to Kolkata. KKR who now have 10 points with just two more matches left this season, and their chances of making it to the playoffs are almost over.