CSK vs RR Review – Sandeep Sharma holds nerves against CSK in final over

Rajasthan Royals clinched two points against Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling contest by three runs. The two franchises locked horns at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, April 12.

Upon winning the toss, MS Dhoni decided to field first in the high-octane fixture. What followed was an early blow for the Royals in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was dismissed for mere 10 runs. Despite this, the Royals got off to a brisk start as openers Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal got the boundaries with ease.

Notably, Rajasthan got 57 runs in the powerplay (1-6 overs). Padikkal and opener Jos Buttler put up a 77-run partnership before the latter was dismissed by star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for 38 runs off 26 balls. Jadeja got his second as he sent Sanju Samson back for a duck off just two balls.

Buttler remained steady and notched up his half-century (52 off 36 balls) and was eventually castled by fellow English cricketer Moeen Ali. Down the order, Shimron Hetmyer hammered a quickfire knock as he got an unbeaten 18-ball 30 with two boundaries and two sixes to his name to help post 175 runs on the board.

In response to the competitive total, the yellow brigade lost the wickets at regular intervals which mounted pressure on their end. Devon Conway played a delicate knock as he got 50 off 38 whereas Ajinkya Rahane played a quickfire 31 off 19 balls before falling.

Rajasthan kept the momentum at their end and were on course to head back home with the crucial two points. Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin got two wickets each whereas Adam Zampa and Sandeep Sharma got one wicket apiece. As the match came down to the wire, it was Jadeja and Dhoni who smashed the ball on numerous occasions to steer the side to five needing off the final ball. However, Sandeep Sharma showed his mettle and helped RR win the contest by three runs, with Dhoni unbeaten on 32 off 17, including three sixes and a four. 

Top performers from the match:

Jos Buttler

After the early dismissal of Jaiswal, Buttler put up a 77-run stand with Padikkal and also got 52 runs to his name. His knock helped the side gain some foundation in the innings to post a competitive total.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja was impressive both with the bat and with the ball as he got the two vital scalps of Padikkal and Samson in his very first over. Moreover, he smashed two maximums and one boundary to score a 15-ball 25. Despite their loss, Jadeja’s innings was praiseworthy.

What’s next for both teams?

CSK next face Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17 in Bengaluru while RR will be against defending champions Gujarat Titans in an away game a day before (April 16).