Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) star all-rounder Ben Stokes has yet again produced a red-hot performance with the bat for his franchise, but this time with the ball too, to take RR to a crucial 7-wicket win over high-flying Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Friday (October 30) in Abu Dhabi.
After guiding RR to a thrilling win over Mumbai Indians with a stunning century, Stokes has again turned hero for the Royals as the English star produced a brilliant all-round performance – 2/32 in his 4 overs and then quick 50 off 26 balls to help RR chase 186 with 15 balls to spare against KXIP.
For his all-round heroics, Stokes was adjudged Player of the Match against KXIP. With the crucial win, RR has climbed up to the fifth spot in the IPL 2020 points table with six wins from 13 matches and is now standing just behind KXIP and has one game left against KKR in the ongoing IPL 2020.
Following the RR v KXIP IPL 13 match, Stokes was delighted that the results came in favor of his team while claiming he took the Punjab team with the same mentality against MI. He also said the RR has nothing to lose and they are happy to be hanging in the race of IPL 2020 playoffs.
Stokes said in the post-match presentation ceremony, “I think when you are in a position like we are, you have nothing to lose. We are still hanging in. That is pleasing. The sixes are always pleasing. I went in the same mentality as I did against MI.”
He concluded, “Wanted to go hard with the new ball. We had a decent break from the last game. We normally have a quick turnaround. I cut down on the bowling part in the break to remain fresh.”
(With India Today Inputs)
