The Prague Post - Suryavanshi helps lowly Rajasthan end IPL campaign with win

The 14-year-old Suryavanshi, who made waves after he struck a record 35-ball century last month, hit 57 off 33 balls as Rajasthan chased down 188 with 17 balls to spare in New Delhi.

Suryavanshi, who announced himself on the IPL stage in emphatic style by launching his first ball in the competition for six, set up the chase in his knock laced with four fours and fours sixes.

Dhruv Jurel sealed the win with his unbeaten 31 off 12 balls.

Both the teams had already bowed out of the play-off race but Rajasthan stay above bottom-placed Chennai in the 10-team table with four wins in 14 matches.

Five-time champions Chennai, led by 43-year-old M.S. Dhoni, have one more match to go in the league phase.

Leaders Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have qualified for the playoffs.

Five-time winners Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are competing for the final play-off spot.

Chennai had their chances including when veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck in the space of five balls to send back skipper Sanju Samson (41) and Suryavanshi.

Jurel soon eased the pressure with boundaries in the next over and despite the loss of another wicket in Riyan Parag, Rajasthan raced to victory.

Jurel hit the winning six with Shimron Hetmyer at the other end on 12.

Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed with 36 off 19 balls in a brisk opening stand of 37 with Suryavanshi.

Chennai recovered to reach 187-8 after they slipped to 78-5 inside eight overs, batting first on a hot and humid evening in the Indian capital.

Teenage opener Ayush Mhatre lifted the team after two early wickets with his 20-ball 43 before his dismissal triggered a mini-collapse.

The 17-year-old Mhatre, who has impressed in his debut year with a top score of 94, hit eight fours and one six before falling to medium-pace bowler Tushar Deshpande.

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took down Ashwin and seam bowler Yudhvir Singh struck for the third time to send back Ravindra Jadeja as Rajasthan lost half their side in 7.4 overs.

South African batter Dewald Brevis made 42 and rebuilt the innings in a 59-run stand with Shivam Dube (39).

Rajasthan's bowlers pulled things back in the end as they gave away just 17 runs from the last three overs.

The IPL resumed last Saturday after being paused due to a deadly conflict between India and Pakistan, forcing a revised schedule with the final now on June 3 in Ahmedabad.

T.Musil--TPP