Stokes' Record-Breaking Half-Century Secures Series Win for England
England captain Ben Stokes smashed a record-breaking half-century, the fastest for his country in Tests, as England defeated the West Indies at Edgbaston to secure a 3-0 series win.
The Gujrat Titans emerged victorious by three wickets in a last-ball thriller, leaving the Rajasthan Royals reeling. However, the drama didn’t end there.
Slow Over Rate Incurs Fine
Rajasthan Royals skipper, Sanju Samson, found himself in hot water after his team maintained a slow over rate during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the Gujarat Titans. As a result, Samson has been slapped with a hefty fine of ₹12 lakhs. This penalty serves as the team’s first offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct related to minimum over rate offenses.
Samson’s Heroics and the Titans’ Triumph
Despite the over rate woes, Sanju Samson showcased his batting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 68 off just 38 deliveries. His partnership with Riyan Parag (78) propelled the Royals to an imposing total of 196 for 3. However, the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, had other plans. Gill’s fine knock of 72 at the top, coupled with a cameo innings from Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (24 off 11 deliveries), ensured that the former IPL champions crossed the finish line off the very last ball.
Lessons Learned
As the IPL season unfolds, teams must remain vigilant about maintaining over rates to avoid penalties. For the Rajasthan Royals, this fine serves as a wake-up call, urging them to find the right balance between aggressive play and adherence to the rules.
