Rajasthan Royals’ Sandeep Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal played pivotal roles in their nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday. Sandeep, returning to the playing eleven after a month’s absence, showcased his bowling prowess with match figures of 5/18, his best in T20 cricket. Meanwhile, young left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a sublime century, his first of the season.
Chasing a target of 179, Jaiswal (104 off 60) and Jos Buttler provided a brisk start for Rajasthan Royals in the PowerPlay, amassing 61 runs in the first six overs. However, rain halted the proceedings for almost 40 minutes, allowing Mumbai Indians to regroup. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla dismissed Buttler for 35 off 25 balls after the break in play.
Undeterred, Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson counter-attacked the spinners, ensuring Rajasthan Royals maintained control of the chase. The duo put on a century partnership and guided their team to victory in the penultimate over.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians endured a poor start to their innings, losing Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan in the first two overs. Suryakumar Yadav showed promise but was caught off guard by a clever field change by Samson, with Rovman Powell taking a sharp catch at long-on.
Mohammad Nabi’s counter-attacking cameo was short-lived as he was caught by Yuzvendra Chahal. Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera then consolidated the innings, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. They amassed 99 runs together, with Varma scoring a 38-ball fifty.
Trent Boult dismissed Wadhera one run short of his half-century, breaking the promising partnership. Sandeep then claimed three wickets in the final over, restricting Mumbai Indians to a below-par total.
