Former champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) came up with an escalating performance, especially in the closing stages, as they tamed fellow former champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). During Match 26 of the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL), in Dubai, RR pulled off a five-wicket win in the final over, with a ball to spare. Meanwhile, let us analyse the talking points from the game.
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Kartik Tyagi's rise in form: The rookie pacer has been in fine form this season. While he claimed 129 today, he has claimed 3100 in the three matches so far. Although he has an average of 9.09, his consistency would allow him to improve further in the coming matches.
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Manish Pandey getting his mojo back: SRH's batting did display the fine form of Manish Pandey. While he did struggle in the initial few matches, his knock of 54 is sure to give him confidence in the coming games, as he is likely to get his mojo back, especially ahead of the Australia tour.
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Jofra Archer's never give up attitude: The English pacer did not have the best outing with the ball, claiming 125. However, he was notable for bowling well at the death and hitting the deck. He would certainly play a crucial role in the coming matches for the side.
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Robin Uthappa should be used as opener: RR chose to open the innings with Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. However, it weakened their middle-order in the process. Instead, opening with Robin Uthappa, as he did with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), would allow him to play a composed innings, while Stokes can give stability to the middle-order.
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RR missing Ajinkya Rahane? While Rahane might be warming the bench with Delhi Capitals (DC), following the trade with RR this season, it might have turned out to be a wrong decision. Rahane can give stability to both middle and top-order, which RR desperately need, and letting go of a man of his calibre was certainly baffling.
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Riyan Parag is the new sensation: Although rookie Parag might have not fired entirely in the tournament so far, his innings today did give the glimpse of what he is capable of. Playing as per the situation would undoubtedly make him the next big prospect for Team India.
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Match summary: Winning the toss, SRH skipper David Warner opted to bat first. It was his knock of 48, along with Manish Pandey's 54, that propelled them to a below-par total of 1584. In reply, although RR were off to a shaky start, it was the pair of Parag and Tewatia towards the end, whose 85-run unbeaten stand for the sixth wicket stole the show.
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