Jaipur: Steve Smith (59 n o, 48b, 5×4, 1×6) celebrated his return at the helm as he led from the front to power Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a five-wicket victory over a formidable Mumbai Indians (MI) in an IPL encounter here Saturday.
Chasing a target of 162 runs, RR won the game with five balls to spare as the former Australia captain anchored the innings with an unbeaten half century. India U-19 World Cupper Riyan Parag (43, 29b) also showed good temperament as he matched his skipper stroke for stroke during their 70 runs stand in 9.4 overs that paved the way for a comfortable victory.
This is Rajasthan’s third win in nine games as they are now placed seventh in the league table above wooden spooners Royal Challengers Bangalore even though a play-off qualification looks a long shot as of now.
RR, who were in a must-win situation, raced to 39 runs in 3.3 overs but Rahane (12) departed as Suryakumar Yadav took a diving catch at covers off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (3/29).
Credit should also be given to Sanju Samson (35, 19b) for his whirlwind knock that set the pace and enabled Smith to anchor the innings in the manner only he can.
Riyan’s composure also helped even though Chahar and the seasoned Jasprit Bumrah (1/21) bowled well at the back end but the home team showed enough firepower.
Earlier, Quinton de Kock (65, 47b, 6×4, 2×6) continued his impressive run with another solid half-century as MI put up a decent 161/5 batting first.
De Kock added 97 runs off 68 balls for the second wicket with Suryakumar (34) that helped MI total gain a semblance of respectability. Introduced in the third over, leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (2/21) deceived rival skipper Rohit Sharma (five), who stepped out only to offer a return catch after failing to read a googly.
Gopal could have got rid of De Kock off the last ball of the over but Jofra Archer (1/21) dropped a difficult chance at long on. Making most out of this reprieve De Kock helped his team reach 50-run mark in 6.5 overs.
He reached his own half-century in 34 balls and his partnership with Suryakumar was broken when latter was caught in deep off Stuart Binny (1/19) in the 14th over.
The South African too holed out in long-on as Hardik Pandya (23) and Kieron Pollard (10) joined forces with scoreboard reading 112 for 3 in 15 overs. Pollard was dropped by Archer once again.
Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 161/5 (Quinton de Kock 65; Shreyas Gopal 2/21) lost to Rajasthan Royals 162/5 (Steve Smith 59 n o, Riyan Parag 43; Rahul Chahar 3/29) by five wickets.