IPL 2020, Match 10: Talking points as RR pull of record chase against KXIP

Rajasthan Royals (RR) made yet another successful chase in the season to register their second win for the season. They won against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by four wickets at the Sharjah Stadium. 

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Sharjah Cricket Stadium - Second Industrial Street - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates, First Published Sep 28, 2020, 1:40 PM IST | Last Updated Sep 28, 2020, 1:40 PM IST

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The score of 223 in 20 overs and that too being chased by the opposite side, is enough to give shivers in a chilly spine! The power-packed match was an absolute thriller and culminated with RR winning by 4 wickets.
Let’s look at some talking points of the match:

Rahul-Mayank partnership
Punjab openers have attained their top-most form in this season. The duo has shown consistency from the very start. They smashed massive 183 runs in their opening partnership during the match, where KL Rahul made his half-century, while Agrawal managed to get a ton.

Monster Mayank
The youngster is giving reasons to seize a high bid for the next season. He made 106 of 50 balls, with a strike- rate of 212. In his innings, he scored 82 runs in boundaries.

Pooran perfect
The man left no stones unturned in his performance yesterday's performance. Besides spectacular innings of 25 runs off eight balls (strike-rate of 312.5), he left the entire cricketing world in awe with his exceptional fielding. He reduced a six to mere two runs, by stretching to the maximum possible, two yards over the rope, and to pulling it back in the ground. His spellbound received bows, even from Jonty Rhodes. 

Smith-Samson stand
This RR batting pair diverted yet another match to their winning side. The duo smashed 81 runs in their partnership. What makes them extraordinary is that they tend to deliver when the team needs it the most. As for their individual innings, both completed their half-centuries and yet again displayed their power of hitting sixes.

Twister Tewatia
With Samson’s wicket and Tewatia moving at a snail’s pace, of 17 runs of 23 balls, no one expected what awaited in the 18th over. RR required 51 runs off 18, and guess what, Tewatia smashed 30 runs from the 18th over of Cottrell. He became no less than a show-stealer in the Sunday’s match, as he completed his half century.

Jofra strike
Adding to the hitters' list, Jofra too added 13 runs off three balls in the 19th over. He yet again proved for what he is known for. 

Sharjah, a high scoring venue
The flat pitch at Sharjah has the least to assist the bowlers in their bowling attack. With the ball easily coming to the bat, the venue has witnessed constant high-scoring matches in this season and poor economy rates for the bowlers.