The second Sunday of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League was a rollercoaster ride at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Rajasthan Royals pulled off one of the most incredible heists in the history of the tournament. Rajasthan chased down 224 runs with three balls to spare to make it two out of two in IPL 2020.
Batting first, Kings XI Punjab banked on their openers – Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul to post a mammoth total. They added 183 runs for the first wicket as Punjab went onto post 223 runs for the loss of two wickets in their quota of 20 overs.
Mayank took the hot seat as he clobbered his maiden IPL century while Rahul backed his hundred with another fifty. Rajasthan tried to pull things back but Nicholas Pooran’s quickfire 25 in the last two overs powered Punjab to 223 – the highest total of the season.
Also read: KL Rahul Defends His Bowlers As Rajasthan Royals Chase Down 224
While many thought the game the game was over, Rajasthan Royals brought out their best game when it needed the most. Steve Smith and Sanju Samson gave a prolific start despite losing Jos Buttler early. They were 100 for two at one stage but with Rahul Tewatia failing to connect the ball, Rajasthan were slipping down the slope.
Rahul Tewatia hits five sixes on one over to change the game
He managed to score just 8 off 19 balls being promoted in a 200+ chase at a crucial time. While everyone thought it was out of hand, Rahul Tewatia kept his head high and suddenly hit one over the rope off a spinner and then he hit five sixes off Sheldon Cottrell to turn the game upside down.
Also Read: Watch – Outrageous Fielding From Nicholas Pooran To Save A Six
Although Tewatia got out after reaching his fifty, Jofra Archer struck two massive sixes to pull off the chase which looked unimaginable at one stage. To be down and out and to reach the top of the world in a space of 10 minutes, Tewatia witnessed it all and most importantly helped Rajasthan secure two crucial points.
Meanwhile, the Twitter was on fire on a Sunday night after watching a nail-biting contest. Cricketers and former cricketers took to social media to congratulate Rajasthan Royals.
Twitter Reactions:
Terrific batting by @rajasthanroyals’ batsmen Smith, Sanju & Tewatia to chase this mega total.
They kept their cool and accelerated beautifully.
Surprised how the @lionsdenkxip fast bowlers didn’t bowl many yorkers and also failed to use M Ashwin enough. #RRvKXIP #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/f52wF11uig
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 27, 2020
What a game ..that’s why this is the best league in the world … amazing talent on display @bcci @IPL
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) September 27, 2020
We finished on wrong side of result but that was arguably the best @IPL game ever. Mayank, KL, Sanju and then Tewatia! Always heartening to see young Indian talent do well. And how about that save from pooran. Unreal 😯👏🏼 Well done @rajasthanroyals @lionsdenkxip #RRvKXIP #Tewatia pic.twitter.com/n6QkQBBS32
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 27, 2020
#Tewatia not only turned the game on its head for #RR but also made a lot of people do a turnaround in a short span of time. #RRvKXIP @IPL #IPL2020
— W V Raman (@wvraman) September 27, 2020
Tewatia at no 4 should be permanent 😂😂😂@rajasthanroyals
— faiz fazal (@faizfazal) September 27, 2020
An absolutely brilliant game of cricket. Superb performance by @rajasthanroyals 👏👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/Td1Xfx8DAk
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 27, 2020
What A Game – @IPL 👀
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 27, 2020
Mr @rahultewatia02 na bhai na 😅 thanks for missing one ball ! What a game congratulations to rr for a spectacular win !!! #RRvKXIP @mayankcricket great knock @IamSanjuSamson brilliant !
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 27, 2020
What a Game @lionsdenkxip vs @rajasthanroyals brilliant chase by young guns..@IamSanjuSamson #IPL @rahultewatia02 outstanding hitting in the end 👌💪👏✅ Sanju what a talent he is.. should be plying for India in all format with such talent 👏👏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 27, 2020
What an incredible game of cricket…..Rahul Tewatia, you’ve shown all of us that miracles do happen. Five sixes in an over against an International fast-bowler. Especially after the struggle. A Fairy tale. #RRvKXIP
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 27, 2020
