JOIN USYoung Indian batsman Sanju Samson and skipper Shane Watson hit fiery half-centuries as Rajasthan Royals posted a challenging 191 for five against Kings XI Punjab in an IPL Twenty20 cricket match, here today.
The 19-year-old Samson gave ample display of his class with his 52-run knock which came off just 34-balls and was laced with three fours and four sixes.
Watson too was at his vintage best as he smashed his way to 29-ball 50, which was studded with eight boundaries including three sixes.
The two shared an explosive 74-run stand for the third wicket in just seven overs as it rained boundaries when they were batting together.
Down the order Steve Smith (27 not out) batted well for the Royals. Murali Karthik was most expensive bowler as he bled 51 runs in his four overs while spinner Akshar Patel was impressive giving away just 22 runs in his quota.
It was a good start for Rajasthan as Ajinkya Rahane (13) did not hesitate to charge down the wicket early in his innings when Punjab opted to start with left-arm spinner Patel. He also pulled with authority and his timing on the drives off pacemen was sweet.
Left-handed Abhishek Nayar (23) was also impressive with his timing as he lifted Parvinder Awana for a massive straight six after settling down. Rahane though was run out when sent back by Nayar after being called for a single.
Samson started aggressively, hitting Balaji for a four in covers and a stunning six from the front foot to mid-wicket.
The Royals were cruising, reaching 54 for two in six overs but Karthik struck in his first ball by trapping Nayar. Samson though continued playing his own aggressive way and this time in the firing line was Karthik, who was smashed out of the park by the young batsman.
Watson joined and enjoyed luck as he was dropped by David Miller off Patel when he was on 8. The burly Australian made the Punjab side rue that dropped chance by hitting a flurry of boundaries.
Soon Watson outscored his young colleague and completed his fifty in just 28 balls. He reached the milestone with a six and a single off Awana.
Spinner Patel returned and brought big relief for his side by clean bowling the rival skipper.
Samson was dropped on 41 by Karthik in his follow through but Stuart Binny (12) did not survive as Miller managed to hold on to a chance near boundary ropes off Mitchell Johnson.
Two wickets in quick succession put a brake on runs. Samson brought his fifty with a straight six off Awana. It was fourth shot in his innings which flew over the ropes. He was bowled by the same bowler two balls later.