Rajasthan extend Pune’s woes
Chandila claims hat-trick in 45-run win in IPL.
Ajit Chandila was the hero for Rajasthan Royals who prevailed by 45 runs as Pune Warriors extended their losing streak to eight games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — the worst in the tournament’s history.
Chasing a competitive target of 171 to win, Pune were rocked by Chandila who claimed a hat-trick to reduce them to 11 for three in the third over. After dismissing the dangerous Jesse Ryder, Sourav Ganguly and Robin Uthappa, the 28-year-old off-spinner added another scalp to finish with an impressive haul of four wickets.
He finished with figures of four for 13 and despite Callum Ferguson making a 31-ball 37, the highest score in the innings, the result was never in doubt after a horrendous start derailed Pune’s innings.
Shane Watson and Johan Botha claimed two wickets apiece as Rajasthan celebrated their seventh win in 14 matches. Meanwhile, Pune suffered their 11th defeat in 15 games.
Earlier, the in-form Ajinkya Rahane and Watson added 94 for the second wicket to give Royals the perfect platform for a good total. After Rajasthan lost their first wicket with the score on 29, Rahane combined with Watson to put the innings back on track. Rahane hit seven fours in his 61-run knock, while Watson made 58 off just 31 deliveries.
Ashish Nehra was the pick of the bowlers for Pune and finished with three for 23 but got little support from the other bowlers.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2012.
Chasing a competitive target of 171 to win, Pune were rocked by Chandila who claimed a hat-trick to reduce them to 11 for three in the third over. After dismissing the dangerous Jesse Ryder, Sourav Ganguly and Robin Uthappa, the 28-year-old off-spinner added another scalp to finish with an impressive haul of four wickets.
He finished with figures of four for 13 and despite Callum Ferguson making a 31-ball 37, the highest score in the innings, the result was never in doubt after a horrendous start derailed Pune’s innings.
Shane Watson and Johan Botha claimed two wickets apiece as Rajasthan celebrated their seventh win in 14 matches. Meanwhile, Pune suffered their 11th defeat in 15 games.
Earlier, the in-form Ajinkya Rahane and Watson added 94 for the second wicket to give Royals the perfect platform for a good total. After Rajasthan lost their first wicket with the score on 29, Rahane combined with Watson to put the innings back on track. Rahane hit seven fours in his 61-run knock, while Watson made 58 off just 31 deliveries.
Ashish Nehra was the pick of the bowlers for Pune and finished with three for 23 but got little support from the other bowlers.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2012.