(Cricket news) The Titans bowled the Royals out for a pitiful 118 in 17.5 overs, while the experienced Afghan recruit Khan grabbed 3/14 in four overs and his young countryman Ahmad replied with numbers of 2/25 in three.
After that, the guests put up an impressive batting performance, surpassing the total in just 13.5 overs. Following a 71-run first wicket partnership between Shubman Gill (36 runs) and Wriddhiman Saha (41 runs*), captain Hardik Pandya scored 39 runs in just 15 deliveries.
Table-toppers Titans now have 14 points after 10 games, while RR have 10 points after the same number of games. They are now ranked fourth on the points chart.
“Mohammed Shami seems to be improving day by day and he also holds the purple cap for now. Hardik Pandya too is bowling well. On the other hand, their spin department has been bowling very well. Rashid Khan and Noor have been bowling beautifully. These four have formed a well-knit bowling unit,” said JioCinema TATA IPL expert RP Singh.
“Then they introduced Mohit Sharma after a long time. Every player is performing their role to perfection. Today especially, the spinners established a stranglehold on the match and the Royals did not get any chance to bat freely after that,” RP Singh added.
Another JioCinema TATA IPL expert Brett Lee too praised Khan, saying: “Well, Rashid is loved all across the world. What an asset he is for his own country. He can demonstrate his athleticism, the way he out-thinks batsmen, I think he bowled beautifully again today. He’s had a bit of a hard run in the last two or three games but today he proved again why he is among the best in the world. 3/14 in four overs and once again he was outstanding.” Speaking about Pandya, Lee said: “Tonight, he took it upon himself, took a few risks and got it.”
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