Royals 13th succeeding victory and goes to clt20 final

Rajasthan Royals continue winning streak all the way into the Champions League Twenty20 final as they won past Chennai Super Kings by 14 runs. This was Royals 13th succeeding victory and it came on the back of a well batting display complemented by an electric performance in the field – one that was almost trashed by R. Ashwin merciless last-gasp innings.

Ashwin and Chris Morris hammered 73 in just 43 balls to revive Chennai dying chase of 160 after MS Dhoni team were reeling on 72/7 in the 13th over. But with 23 needed in the last over, Ashwin holed out against left-arm pacer James Faulkner for a 28-ball 46, signaling the end of the pursuit.

Dhoni is fall came after R.Vijay had managed to run both Michael Hussey and himself out within the mandatory Power play and after S. Badrinath had added to his cup of woes with another dismal show. Tambe then spun his web as Raina, Bravo and Jadeja traced their paths back to the pavilion in successive overs. A fast end looked in the offing at 72/7 – but Ashwin and Morris gave the crowd something to cheer about.

Royals 159/8 had earlier revolved around Rahane is 70 whose regular finding of the fence was the perfect counter to the regular fall of wickets. He pulverized Ashwin out of the attack by taking 16 from the off-spinner’s only over and looked comfortable against Chennai super kings is assortment of medium pacers.

With Dravid, Kevon Cooper and Sanju Samson back in the hut, Rahane and Watson added 59 in 6.3 overs, placing themselves well for the last charge with Royals 121/3 in just above 15 overs. The last 5 did not yield as many as Dravid would have desired.

Jason Holder and Bravo combined to hold the Royals well short of their expectations. Bravo, mainly, bowled a superb last over as he picked up 3 wickets and gave away just 4 runs, ending with figures of 4-0-26-3.

Rajasthan: 159/8 (20)

Best Batting

A Rahane -56(70balls)

Best Bowling

D Bravo-3/26

Chennai: 145/8 (20)

Best Batting

R Ashwin -46(28)

Best Bowling

P Tambe-3/10

Player of the match

P Tambe