Ben Stokes scored an unbelievable match winning century to keep Rajasthan Royals’ Indian Premier League hopes alive as they stunned the defending champions by eight wickets.
Stokes led the way for the Royals smashing 107 not out from just 60 balls, an outstanding innings which included three sixes and 14 fours, as he was involved in a huge chase of 196, with 10 balls still to come.
The Durham and England star was involved in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 151 with Sanju Samson, who added an unbeaten 54 from 31 balls.
The result, giving Rajasthan Royals’ the added chance of reaching the IPL play-offs as the competition now reaches its climax.
The Royals had earlier been set a challenging total of 196, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 60 from just 21 balls. Pandya making the most of the Abu Dhabi batting conditions, a score at half time he thought was more than enough.
In reply, Stokes continued in the opening spot with partner Robin Uthappa. Uthappa falling early to an easy Pollard catch at mid-on.
Stokes was on fire from the off, hitting back to-back boundaries in the opening over, making light work of Trent Boult’s bowling.
He was hitting the ball to all parts of the ground, bringing up his half century from 28 balls, which came up with a four off the bowling of Krunal Pandya.
It was a familiar story for Stokes century, too, hitting Pattinson over mid-wicket for four, as he secured the Royals’ victory, in a easy manor.
What an innings, what a man?
Stokesy being Stokesy tonight#HallaBol #IPL2020 #RRvsMI pic.twitter.com/YoZhK1ZaL2
— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) October 25, 2020