In the 9th match of the Indian Premier League played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals beat Chargers by 3 wickets in a thriller that went to the wire.
After Rajasthan Royals, who chose to field first after winning the toss, Deccan Chargers made 214 for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. After the dangerous Adam Gilchrist and the destructive Shahid Afridi quitting early, the onus of the responsibility of steering the side to a respectable total fell on the mighty shoulders of Andrew Symonds.
Without disappointing his side, Symonds started compiling runs quickly. He scored a quick fire 117 off just 53 balls. His explosive innings comprised 11 fours and 7 sixes. His 50 coming off 29 balls (6 x 4, 2 x 6), and 100 off 47 balls (9 x 4, 6 x 6). Symond was involved in a 100 runs 4th wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma. Sharma also had his contribution in the overall total. He made a brave 36 runs (3 x 4, 1 x 6) which came off 30 balls. For Rajasthan Royals, while Yusuf Pathan and captain Shane Warne picked up 2 wickets each, Shane Watson chipped in with one.
Chasing the target of 215, Rajasthan Royals made 217 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Graeme Smith made a prolific 71 runs off 45 balls. His innings had 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. Yusuf Pathan constibuted a very fine 61 which came of just 28 balls. He hurried his innings with 4 fours and 6 hits that went over the fence. Pathan's 50 came off just 21 balls (2 x 4, 6 x 6). Mohammad Kaif made a valuable 34 which were gathered from 18 balls. Shane Warne's quick 22 off 9 balls made all the difference for the Royals. His quick fire innings had 2 fours and 2 sixes. Shahid Afridi was the pick of the Hyderabad bowlers with 3 wickets.
This is the third consecutive loss for the Deccan Chargers who are yet to open their account in the IPL match tally.
