IPL 2020: Steve Smith hails Ben Stokes as a "class player" after RR’s emphatic win over KXIP

Stokes produced a blazing half-century to script RR's 7-wicket win over KXIP.

Ben Stokes | IPL/BCCIRajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Steve Smith hailed Ben Stokes as a "class player" after the England all-rounder produced a blazing half-century to script his team’s 7-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 30).

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Chasing 186 to win, Stokes provided RR a flying start as he smashed 50 off just 26 balls. Later, the contributions from Sanju Samson, Smith and Jos Buttler took the inaugural IPL champions over the line with 15 balls to spare.

With this victory, Royals moved to the fifth spot in the points table and kept their play-offs hopes alive.

Speaking after the match, Smith said they still need to win the last league match to qualify for the playoffs.

"The season has ebbed and flowed, yes. Would have been nice to have a couple of wins in the middle. We still need to do a bit to make the playoffs, and we need things to go our way," RR captain quoted at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Having said that, if that happens, we are playing very good cricket. The Samson run-out was unfortunate, but you take positives from every situation. It gave Jos a chance to bat after a five-day break," he continued.

"He hit them well so this is a good sign. Ben is a class player, plays proper shots, hits balls in weird areas, and did a job with the ball too. One of the best in the world," he added.

Smith also praised Samson, who scored 48 off 25 balls after Stokes’ dismissal.

"Sanju started the tournament really well, then in the middle couldn't get going, but that is T20 cricket. You have got to keep trusting the process," he said.

Rajasthan Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their last league match on Sunday (November 1).

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 31 Oct, 2020

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