Samson aids Rajasthan in thrilling win

Bangalore beaten by four wickets despite Gayle’s knock.

Sanju Samson top-scored with 63 to guide Rajasthan Royal’s impressive chase in response to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 171, with the former winning the match by four wickets.

Samson shared a 68-run stand with Shane Watson (41) whose all-round performance included grabbing three wickets. Watson’s all-round performance also consisted of picking up three wickets that included the important scalps of Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli.

It was finally Stuart Binny who won the game for Rajasthan as he scored a boundary when three runs were needed from two balls. Bangalore, despite Gayle’s fiery knock, had to be content with their fourth defeat in away matches.

Rajasthan captain Rahul Dravid lauded his side’s batting prowess. “The way Samson batted, we just seemed in control right throughout,” said Dravid, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Man-of-the-match Samson revelled in his remarkable performance. “I was prepared for it and it’s my day,” said Samson. “I was trying to get maximum runs in the Powerplay.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2013.