The Points table has a twist as Rajasthan Royals have jumped to the fifth position in the points table after a pounding victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Jos Buttler and Steve Smith’s unbeaten partnership of 98 runs ensured Chennai Super Kings pose no chance for the second time in this tournament.
It all started at the toss as MS Dhoni the Chennai Super Kings skipper won the toss and elected to bat first at Abu Dhabi. Chennai Super Kings made two changes to the side with Piyush Chawla and Josh Hazlewood coming for Dwayne Bravo and Karn Sharma whereas Rajasthan Royals made one change in the form of Ankit Rapoot as he came in for Jaydev Unadkat.
Chennai Super Kings out of IPL playoff contention
In the match, Chennai Super Kings batting first had a flop start yet again as Shane Watson and Faf Du Plessis got out cheaply. It was Sam Curran who opened the batting once again and led the charge early on in the innings. The question of intent again came into play as none of the batsmen showed any clear intention of going after the Rajasthan Royals bowlers as they merely posted 125 at the end of 20 overs.
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On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals started the match in a similar style of that of Chennai Super Kings as they too lost three early wickets. It looked like this match would go down to be a low scoring thriller but Steve Smith and Jos Buttler had other plans as they chased the score in under 18 overs all thanks to a 98 run partnership between them.
You have to keep trusting yourself – Jos Buttler
The man of the match of today’s match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings was Jos Buttler for his unbeaten knock of 70 runs off 48 balls.
At the post-match presentation, Jos Buttler said that He wanted to bat with some intensity today given that he wants to take his side across the finishing line today. He further spoke about his batting position in the side, Jos is ready to bat wherever the team wants him to bat.
Also Read: Watch – Jos Buttler Takes A Stunner To Dismiss Faf Du Plessis
“Nice to get a win on the board tonight. I tried to come out with some intensity in my batting. I didn’t think I had enough last game, and I decided to take a few more options tonight, and it came off.
You have to keep trusting yourself and particularly when there’s no scoreboard pressure, you can play yourself in and let cut loose in the end. I’m happy (batting at number 5) to do whatever the team needs to me do. This is my role for now,” Jos Buttler said.
