Ojha, Smith maul Punjab

Rajhasthan Royals VS Kings XI Punjab - Match 30 - Kingsmead, Durban

Rajasthan Royals won their fourth match of the season and in doing so scored the highest team total of the tournament thus far. Batting first the Royals scored 211/4. Graham Smith batted himself into form scoring 77 of 43 balls. He was well supported by new opening partner Ojha who scored an entertaining 68. In reply Punjab only managed 133/8.

Yuvraj Singhs decision to bowl Powar in the first over proved costly as he was hammered for two sixes and a four by Ojha. The openers put on 100 in the 11th over and just when they looked to be heading for a large total Graham Smith was caught on the boundary, a welcome relief for Punjab. In came Yusuf Pathan and he did not take long to get going, a six of the second ball he faced was followed by a four two balls later. But Pathans urge for big shots had him caught by Goel for 12 and Ojha soon followed. Jadeja showed his worth by blasting 34 if 12 balls, a crucial innings just when Rajhasthan were looking like loosing their way after the loss of three quick wickets. Sreesanth did not get a good start to his season. He went for 44 in his 4 overs, including 23 in his last over. His cause not helped by no-balls.

Punjabs innings started badly. Sohal was out caught off the first ball of the innings. In came Goel and he did not last long either, Punjab were left reeling at 2/2 after the first over. It who have been worse had Warne caught onto a sitter offered by Sangakarra in the second over. Katich and Sangakarra tried to get a move on, but were soon picked up by Trivedi and Y Pathan respectively. At 39/5 Punjab were left with no chance of winning the game. Captain Yuvraj singh scored a defiant 48, but it was not enough to avoid a heavy defeat. A Singh was the star with the ball for the Royals. He ended up with figures of 9/3 in 4 overs, including two wickets in the very first over of the innings.

The win has added twists to the points table. Rajasthan are in second spot and are back into contention for a semi-final spot and a second title; a week ago they were written off.


Toss
Punjab who elected to field first

Teams
Rajasthan Royals
N Ojha, G Smith, S Harwood, R Jadeja, Y Pathan, S Trivedi, S Warne, M Rawat,
M Patel, S Trivedi, A Singh.

Kings XI Punjab
S Sohal, S Sreesanth, K Goel, Yuvraj Singh, K Sangakarra, M Jayawardane , P Chawla, I Pathan, S Katich, R Powar, Y Abdulla

Brief Scores
Rajasthan Royals 211-4 in 20 overs (G Smith 77, N Ojha 68, R Jadeja 34, Chawla 30/2 )
Kings XI Punjab - 13 in 20 overs (Y Singh 48, A singh 9/3)

Result
Rajasthan Royals won by 78 runs