IPL 2020: CSK vs RR Review – Buttler fifty revives Royals’ campaign
Well, after what happened over the weekend, it was a pretty sombre start to the week. The Rajasthan Royals comfortably defeated a struggling Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets at Abu Dhabi. With this win, the Royals firmly keep themselves in the hunt, while Chennai slip further down the hole.
After opting to bat first, CSK batsmen never showed the intent to score a big total. The likes of Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis got out early and at 56/4 in 10 overs, their batting line-up was already under the pump. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja did just that but nothing else. They never tried to up the ante at any stage and despite the 51-run stand between the duo, the final push never came. CSK ended with 125 runs in their 20 overs – the lowest team total in IPL 202 so far.
Buttler-Smith special
It was a huge ask for the CSK bowlers to defend a paltry score. Though their new-ball bowlers Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood bowled well to reduce RR to 28/3, Steve Smith and Jos Buttler were exceptional. They soaked in all the pressure and made sure that CSK never came back in the game.
While Buttler opened up his arms after a subdued start, Smith just played second fiddle to him. Strike-rate didn’t really matter in the game thanks to the 126-run chase. Eventually, without much fuss, Royals got over the line in the 18th over of the innings. They have bagged two crucial points to jump to fifth place in the points table.
Top performers
Records/Personal Milestones
- MS Dhoni became the first player to play 200 IPL matches
- MS Dhoni completed 4000 runs for CSK
- Ambati Rayudu completed 5000 runs in his T20 career
Way Ahead
The Royals are still alive in the competition and they next face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday in Dubai, while CSK lock horns against Mumbai Indians in Sharjah on Friday.
