The most expensive player in the IPL auction – Chris Morris stood tall to the expectations to guide Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling win over Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Morris remained unbeaten on 36 runs from just 18 deliveries including four towering sixes to pull off an incredible heist in pursuit of 148 runs set by Delhi batting first.
Delhi Capitals were dismantled after asking to bat first courtesy of some fabulous catching and smart bowling, but Rishabh Pant counterattacked alongside debutant Lalit Yadav. However, it was that freak run-out from Riyan Parag that turned things around, and despite some good work by Chris Woakes and Tom Curran at the death to salvage a defendable total, Jaydev Unadkat and the Mustafizur Rahman were smart enough and good enough to keep the Capitals to a sub-par total of 147 runs.
Chasing a moderate total, Rajasthan Royals were in some serious trouble at 42 for the loss of five wickets with all serious batters back in the hut. From there, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia added a crucial partnership to keep their side in the run chase. Although Tewatia got out, the Protean batter kept his side in the hunt with a timely fifty before Chris Morris did exactly what he was brought to Rajasthan for a mammoth sum.
Chris Morris wins it for Rajasthan Royals
He wasn’t striking it clean when he came in. Took a while to get one off the sweet spot, but then once he found his range it was game over for Delhi Capitals. Chris Morris gives a thumbs up to the dugout before Jaydev Unadkat ran over for a big hug. The most expensive IPL buy has shown his worth here today striking at 200 to earn Rajasthan Royals the first victory of IPL 2021.
Meanwhile, the social media went gaga with the cricketing fraternity coming together to bow down to Chris Morris. From Aakash Chopra to Virender Sehwag, everyone came forward to salute Morris for his match-winning innings.
Here are some of the reactions:
पैसा वसूल 🥳🥳 #Morris #RRvDC #IPL2021
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 15, 2021
Wow, Chris Morris. Such clean hitting.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 15, 2021
Pic 1 last match – Paisa mila par izzat nahi mili
Pic 2 today – Isse kehte hain Izzat.
Izzat bhi , Paisa bhi – Well done Chris Morris #RRvsDC pic.twitter.com/9hLqMk7OKT— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 15, 2021
So far the big buys within the @IPL is winning games for their team….the real question can their sustain it throughout the #IPL2021
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) April 15, 2021
Chris Morris batted like a true millionaire today ! #RRvsDC
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) April 15, 2021
Morris is worth it 😃#RRvsDC #VIVOIPL
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) April 15, 2021
Chris Naam mein hi dum Hai. #ChrisMorris
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 15, 2021
Fantastic redemption for Chris Morris after the last match and a sensational win for Rajasthan.
On a fun note , @rajasthanroyals owners to Morris.#DCvsRR pic.twitter.com/OiDLU01WvG
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 15, 2021
The Double RR’s… 😬👌 #MillerandMorris @IPL Helluva show!! 👏 #IPL2021
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) April 15, 2021
#IPL2021 just keeps getting better and better! Wow what a knock by @Tipo_Morris to pull it off like that from the dead for @rajasthanroyals ! Like i said earlier these guys are going to be dangerous this season! #RRvsDC
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) April 15, 2021
