All-rounder Rahul Tewatia said Rajasthan Royals (RR) have shown great “intent” in the “do or die game” against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and eventually emerged victorious to keep their IPL 13 playoffs hopes alive with a 7-wicket win over KXIP on Friday (October 30) in Abu Dhabi.
In the 50th game of the ongoing IPL 2020, RR got off a brilliant start with Ben Stokes taking a stunning catch of Mandeep Singh off Jofra Archer in the first over, however, Chris Gayle’s 99 took some moment from the Royals but they managed to come back in the game on Friday.
Chasing a colossal target of 186, Robin Uthappa (30) and Stokes (2w) provided the flying start to RR, hitting 50 off 26 balls studded with 3 sixes and 6 fours, and then cumulative efforts from Sanju Samson (48), Steve Smith (31) and Jos Buttler (22) sealed a comfortable 7 wickets win against KXIP.
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Tewatia said in the post-match press conference in Abu Dhabi: “Overall, the performance was, we showed intent in the field. It was a do or die game so we had to give 100 percent. And the way Jofra started, we gained momentum at that point.”
He further added, “Our batters are taking responsibility. Initially, we were losing wickets in the powerplay but it isn't the case anymore. We concentrated on fielding during our practice and Ben Stokes fielded very well and took a brilliant catch. He is one of the best fielders in our team.”
On his stunning catch to end Nicholas Pooran's cameo 22 off 10 in the 18th over, Tewatia said: “Talking about my catch, I was right at the boundary rope and I made my jump at the right time to take the catch.”
He also believes that RR’s middle order has become strong now has been getting a good start up the order since the last few matches. RR will next lock horns against KKR on Sunday (November 1).
Tewatia signed off by saying, “Our middle order has become strong because of the top order performance and the way Stokes has been providing us with starts it is a really a positive sign.”
(With ANI Inputs)
