IPL news: Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler fail as Sunrisers blow Rajasthan away
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttlers first game of the 2018 Indian Premier League ended in disappointment as Rajasthan Royals were thumped by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Stokes, who was the MVP from last years tournament, scored just five off eight balls as Ajinkya Rahanes Rajasthan were restricted to 125-9.
England wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler also struggled, making six before becoming Rashid Khans first victim of the new IPL season.
Sunrisers, who won the IPL in 2016, knocked off the runs with 25 balls to spare, India opener Shikhar Dhawan smashing an impressive 33-ball fifty.
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Sunrisers won the toss and their decision to bowl first paid dividends as they took wickets throughout the innings to restrict Rajasthans progress.
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DArcy Short, the Australian who played so well in the recent Big Bash League, was the first to go as Sunrisers skipper Kane Williamson ran him out in the first over.
Sanju Samson, who Shane Warne has spoken highly of in the past, showed good touch and was closing in on fifty with five elegant boundaries.
The visitors failed to form any partnerships of note, however, and Rahane, Stokes and Rahul Tripathi had come and gone by the time Samsons innings came to an end.
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals: What was said?
Former England batsman Rob Key:
Samson was playing pretty well for Rajasthan but Sunrisers were very good – too good – on the day.
The Royals have got to use Buttler well in the tournament – hes the guy who they can bat around but it didnt work today.
England bowler and former IPL star Tymal Mills:
Shakib goes under the radar but he gives you absolutely nothing, both spinners look really good for Sunrisers.
Billy Stanlake ran in and bowled fast. He bowled really well, hes a tough bowler to face, a real handful.
The 23-year-old Indian was just one shy of a half-century when he became the second of Shakib Al Hasans two victims, holing out to fellow spinner Rashid.
Six overs were still remaining but with the top-order already back in the shed, Rajasthan were forced to consolidate rather than explode, an job made more difficult by the dismissal of Buttler.
Sunrisers spinning duo were excellent – a promising sign for the remainder of the tournament – and they will also take confidence from the way their top-order knocked off the runs.
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Wriddhiman Saha was dismissed in only the second over but Dhawan, who was dropped by Rahane early on, shared an unbeaten 121-run partnership with Williamson to secure an emphatic nine-wicket victory.
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Dhawan was the more explosive of the two, hitting 13 boundaries to finish 77 not out, but Williamson took on his role perfectly, and also ended unbeaten on 36.
MORE: Virat Kohli takes blame for Royal Challengers Bangalore defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders
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