IPL: Going hard on Rajasthan Royals

PTI

Mumbai, April 14

Skipper Hardik Pandya enhanced his reputation as a No. 4 batter with an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls as Gujarat Titans trounced Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs in the Indian Premier League here today.

Pandya, whose strike rate and approach has been questioned at his new position, played responsibly when it was needed before displaying the power he is known for to lead Titans to 192/4 after being sent in to bat.

The in-form Jos Buttler (54 off 24) provided another flying start to Royals but the rest of the batting unit did not deliver as the innings ended at 155/9. Young left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (3/40) impressed on IPL debut while Lockie Ferguson (3/23) got the important wicket of Buttler, who was deceived by the New Zealander’s slow yorker after a series of quick deliveries.

Ferguson also dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin in the same over after the senior India spinner was promoted to bat at No. 3.

The other notable contribution to Royals’ innings came from Shimron Hetmyer (29 off 17). From 56/1, Royals slipped to 90/5 and could not recover from there on.

Pandya, who has been bowling regularly this season, also picked up a wicket. He also ran out the dangerous Sanju Samson as the Royals skipper tried to steal a quick single.

With their fourth win in five games, Titans displaced Royals from the top of the points table. It was Royals’ second loss in five games.

Brief scores: Gujarat Titans: 192/4 (Pandya 87*, Manohar 43, Miller 31*); Rajasthan Royals: 155/9 (Buttler 54; Ferguson 3/23, Dayal 3/40). —

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