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Ben Stokes (Twitter of the Royals of Rajasthan)
England Ben stokes crushed an undefeated 107 keep Royals of Rajasthan in pursuit of Indian Premier League play-offs after their eight-wicket win over champions Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
MARKER: Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians
Steve Smith’s Royals victory eliminated the Chennai Super Kings led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni from the run of the four finalists despite their victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the day.
Stokes teamed up with Sanju Samson, who had 54 no out, to put up 152 runs for the third wicket as the Royals hit their goal of 196 in 18.2 overs in Abu Dhabi.
The left-handed hitter followed suit, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in his 60-ball knock to help the Royals climb to sixth place in the eight-team table with five wins in 12 games.
Stokes, who joined his team later this season after spending time with his ailing father in New Zealand, hit a six to increase his second ton of IPL and surpassed his previous best score of 103, in 2017, with the limit Victory.
“It’s bittersweet to be honest. A little taken aback by the fact that it took me so long to get into the tournament for the team,” Stokes said.
“To be honest, the training I had yesterday was the best I had during my time here, so I went into this with a little confidence. I was doing well.”
Stokes, born in New Zealand, whose father is battling cancer, said: “Things are a bit difficult at the moment, but I hope this has given him some happiness at home.”
The powerful hitting show of the all-rounder, who had scored 110 in five games prior to this hit, put Hardik Pandya’s 21-ball 60 in the shadows after Mumbai finished with 195 of five.
Mumbai, while still at the top of the table, is locked in at 14 points with Delhi Capitals and RCB in the fight for a place in the top two. Playoffs begin on November 5.
The top two will meet in the first qualifier in Dubai, while the third and fourth teams will meet in the tie on 6 November in Abu Dhabi.
The winner of the tie will play the loser of the first tie on November 8, with the final scheduled for two days later in Dubai.
Earlier on Sunday, starter Ruturaj Gaikwad hit his first half-century of IPL when CSK thrashed Virat Kohli’s Bangalore by eight wickets in Dubai.
The 23-year-old Gaikwad broke an undefeated record of 65 to lead the Chennai chase of 146 in 18.4 overs and give the last team their fourth win this season.
“I felt like this was one of the perfect games. Everything went according to plan and the execution was there,” Dhoni said.
“You have to enjoy the game no matter where you are at the table. If you’re not enjoying cricket, it can get cruel and painful. So I’m happy with the response from the young people.”
Gaikwad, who hit three sixes on his 51-ball knock, put up a key position in the second 67-run wicket with Ambati Rayudu, who scored 39, while Chennai rallied after three straight losses.
Previously, Chennai restricted Bangalore to 145 for six despite an 82-run attack on third ground between Kohli, who made 50, and AB de Villiers.
RCB still ranks third in the table and Kohli said “they’re playing really good cricket.”
