Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Sanju Samson acknowledged the efforts of all-rounder Ben Stokes, whose "flying start" helped lay a solid foundation which the team's middle-order could just rally behind in their successful run-chase against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 30).
Chasing the target of 186 against an in-form KXIP attack, Stokes smashed the ball to all parts through his 26-ball 50, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Fellow opener, Robin Uthappa (30), also batted well before Samson (48), Steve Smith (31*) and Jos Buttler (22*) took their team home inside 18 overs.
Read Also: "Once you get used to IPL, you get comfortable with pressure environment" - Ben Stokes
"I think one-two sixes were shot when he got out and that matters in this format. We had a really good start, Stokes gave us a really great start, a flying start which helped us finish the game two overs ago," Samson told teammate Jofra Archer in a video posted over official IPL Twitter handle following RR's seven-wicket win.
"It's very crucial to have someone like this, coming into the right frame of mind at this part of the tournament and I hope we go well."
"It was a very important game as you know we need to win big now. So it was very important to get that bowling and batting right," added the Kerala and India youngster as RR managed to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Archer, who was once again RR's brightest spot with the ball, taking 2/26 in four overs, spoke of the dismissal of Chris Gayle when he was on 99. The 'Universe Boss' missed another T20 century by just a run and even flung his bat away in frustration.
"I tried my best to stop him (Gayle). I bowled a bad ball before it so I am glad he didn't get it," said Archer.
After prevailing in one virtual knock-out, RR face another must-win encounter in Dubai on Sunday (November 1) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
(Inputs from ANI)
