Sharjah: Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 16 runs in Sharjah on Tuesday as the Steve Smith-led side successfully defended their first innings total of 216/7.
In the 4th match of 13th edition of IPL 2020, Sanju Samson’s effortless six-hitting exhibition along with Jofra Archer’s magnificent all-round show helped Rajasthan Royals to beat Chennai Super Kings by 16 runs.
Inviting RR to bat first backfired on CSK as Smith’s team posted a massive total owing to a 121-run partnership between the skipper and Sanju Samson (74). Jofra Archer’s 8-ball 27 helped RR reach their total in the final over.
In their chase, CSK started well with Shane Watson (33) and Murali Vijay (21) but Rahul Tewatia’s three quick wickets proved to be their downfall.
Despite a late show by Faf du Plessis (72) and MS Dhoni (29*), CSK failed to complete the task as they ended on 200/6.
It was always a catch-up game for CSK and one imagined that their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would at least try and come up the order but he came at No 7 when the match was as good as over.
The night belonged to Samson, a man rated for his talent but criticised for his lack of consistency. He always has one or two incredible IPL days every year. Tuesday was one such day when he was at his brilliant best.