Rajasthan proves its chasing success one more time and overcome Punjab in a must-win game to stay alive in the race for playoffs. Gayle missed out a ton, and Stokes fired a 24-balls half-century, followed by a rescue from Smith-Buttler. The entertaining night in Abu Dhabi delivered smiles for Rajasthan and broke Punjab's 5-matches winning streak.
Toss: Rajasthan opted to bowl first
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Detailed Match Report
Archer struck in the first over to remove Mandeep with a good bouncer and a smart catch from Stokes. KL Rahul and Chris Gayle showed steadiness in the beginning and fired later. Chris Gayle completed his another half-century and accelerated Punjab’s inning the in middle-overs. Stokes removed KL Rahul after a struggle to give Rajasthan a relief. Gayle also created an incredible record in this game, achieving a feat of 1000 sixes in T20s. In the final over, Archer bowled Gayle on 99 to produce a heartbreak for the Universe Boss. Punjab could have crossed 200 but Rajasthan managed to restrict them to 185.
Rajasthan looked confident in this chase as Stokes and Uthappa put up a solid stand. KL Rahul tried the spin in the powerplay, but Stokes went for boundaries rather than making any mistake. Ben Stokes completed his half-century off just 24 balls, and Jordan got him out in the same over to release some pressure. Uthappa and Samson showed good intent and added vital 51 runs before Uthappa got out in the search of back-to-back six. The required run-rate was below 8 and Smith joined Samson to cross the line for Rajasthan. Punjab got the breakthrough in the 15th over with Samson’s wicket on fine 48. They put pressure, but Rajasthan held the nerve in the end with the ultimate rescue from Smith and Buttler.
Star Performer of the Match
Ben Stokes is our star performer of the match. The English all-rounder bowled very well and picked two wickets for 32. In the chase, he fired in the powerplay smashing a 24-ball-half-century.
Top 5 players who made an impact in the game
Chris Gayle 99 (63)
Ben Stokes 4-0-32-2 & 50 (26)
KL Rahul 46 (41)
Jofra Archer 4-0-26-2
Sanju Samson 48 (25)
