Royals run out of gas in Mumbai chase

It was a case of close but no cigar for the Rajasthan Royals on Friday, as their spirited chase of the Mumbai Indians' 187/5 collapsed in a heap over the closing overs.
The home side managed to post a competitive total thanks to a solid all-round team performance from the top order.
Ambati Rayudu's unbeaten 53 was the best effort on the night, the right-hander giving the total a welcome boost at the death as he finished with a strike rate of nearly 200, but Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel, Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard all made valuable little contributions as well to help lift Mumbai's score.
Dhawal Kulkarni picked up two wickets for Rajasthan fairly cheaply, while Ankit Sharma also did a solid holding job, going for under eight an over.
The Royals' chase started pretty solidly, despite the early dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane for 16.
Shane Watson lasted 23 balls before falling to Jagadeesha Suchith for 28, and Steve Smith became the first of three scalps for Kiwi Mitchell McClenaghan on the night when he was dismissed for 23, but Sanju Samson was doing a superb job throughout, keeping his side in the chase throughout the first 15 overs.
As the final overs approached, Samson even managed to up the scoring rate with a couple of lusty blows for six, and it seemed as long as he was at the crease, the Royals had the chase under control.
But when the 20-year-old finally fell to McCleneghan for 76 off just 46 in the 18th over, Rajasthan's challenge quickly disintegrated.
Still needing 26 runs off the last two overs, Karun Nair, Deepak Hooda and Tim Southee all fell in quick succession as the visitors ended up eight runs short of the target.
Latest
-
News
Joe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.
-
News
England on course for defeat inside two days after collapse against spin
England were bowled out for 81.
-
News
Warwickshire bolster batting with signing of Pieter Malan
Paul Frabrace hopes Pieter Malan will help mentor Warwickshire’s young batsmen.