IPL 2018, CSK vs RR: 5 Talking Points
An old rivalry resumed after a gap of almost three years as the comeback teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) squared off against each other for the first time since May 10th 2015.
It was also the first game for CSK at their new home in Pune.
Riding on Shane Watson’s brilliant 106, CSK posted a mammoth 204. Chasing more than 10 runs per over, RR lost their top three early as they were reduced to 32/3.
Ben Stokes did try to fight back but 204 proved to be too much for RR as they stumbled to a 64-run loss. With their third win of the season, CSK climbed to the top of the points table.
#5 A day to forget for the fielders
Fielding is a very important component in today’s game, especially in T20 cricket where a small lapse can cost the team dearly. In this game, the fielders from both sides had a poor day at the office.
In the first innings, Rajasthan Royals paid the price for letting Watson off twice. In the very first over of the game, Stuart Binny found the edge and the ball travelled at a nice, catchable height to first slip.
However, Rahul Tripathi dropped a sitter to give Watson a life. In the next over, Tripathi once again let off the Australian all-rounder as he dropped a tough chance at backward point.
Krishnappa Gowtham was the unlucky bowler on this occasion. Sanju Samson then dropped one at backward point as Dwayne Bravo got a life.
However, CSK decided to return the favour as Watson dropped one at first slip in the first over of RR’s chase as Heinrich Klaasen survived a first-ball duck.
Even though that was the only catch that was put down by CSK, they were poor in the field. There were quite a few misfields but with a big score on the board, it didn’t affect CSK as much as it did RR.
The phrase ‘catches win matches’ came back to haunt RR as Shane Watson made full use of those reprieves and scored a superb ton.