Jos Buttler’s 116-run knock and Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul (3 for 22) helped Rajasthan (222 for 2) beat Delhi (207 for 8) by 15 runs in a high-scoring match at the Wankhede Stadium.
With 36 runs needed in the last six balls, DC batter Rovman Powell hit sixes off the first two balls of the over bowled by left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. On the third ball, he again hit a full toss for a maximum and that delivery, according to Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant and their team management, should have been called a no-ball.
But the on-field umpire did not give it a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire. Hence, Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field.
“It went for a six, it was a full toss and the umpire gave it a normal ball. But the batsman wanted it as a no-ball. I think the umpire made his decision very clear and stuck to it,” said Sanju Samson at the post-match presentation.
“We wanted to be around him (McCoy) and wanted to put a smile on his face. Not easy for a bowler after conceding three sixes. We wanted to change the plan. So we took our time to give the bowler a breather,” he added.
With this win, the inaugural edition’s champions RR go to the top of the points table with five wins in seven matches.
“The last game was a tough one, and this game too, with Powell hitting those sixes. It’s important to stay calm and trust your teammates. You need to back yourself. Can’t say anything about the toss. Losing the toss is working, so we’ll like to stick to that. Don’t think there was much dew, but the bowlers are experienced enough to bowl in these conditions,” he added.
Captain Samson played his 100th match for Rajasthan Royals and also went on to complete 5000 runs in T20s. Samson helped his team go well past 200 in 20 overs with an unbeaten cameo of 46 off 19 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
“(Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Yuzvendra) Chahal have been bowling well; touch wood we continue to do it,” he said of the spin duo.
☺️ About last night. Celebrating Sanju’s 100th game as a Royal. ????????#RoyalsFamily | @IamSanjuSamson https://t.co/iaDfRHQm1r
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 1650685577000
On Buttler’s blistering third ton of the season, Samson was all praise for the England opener.
“He (Buttler) has been playing well, and that’s a crucial part in this format…There’s a lot more to come from him,” said the RR skipper.
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