Nerveless Hodge seals RR a thriller win against DC

Rajasthan Royals’ previous four matches against Deccan Chargers had ended in victory, and a rather one-sided rivalry was extended in Jaipur where the home team pulled off a remarkable chase of 197 with five wickets and two balls remaining.

Set their stiffest target of the season, Rajasthan Royals were given a strong start from Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane but three wickets to Amit Mishra left them struggling for air. That’s when Brad Hodge proved his versatility; he smashed Dale Steyn for four consecutive fours en route to a nerveless 21-ball 48, and the IPL debutant Dishant Yagnik carved Steyn for successive fours to clinch a thriller. The win kept Rajasthan a top the IPL 5 table, and their reputation as the team to beat in 2012.

Scorecard:

Deccan Chargers : 196/2 in 20 ovs

Jean-Paul Duminy - 58
Shikhar Dhawan - 52
Kumar Sangakkara - 44

Rajasthan Royals : 197/5 in 19.4 ovs

Brad Hodge - 48
Ajinkya Rahane - 44
Rahul Dravid - 42

Amit Mishra - 3/32

Man of the Match : Brad Hodge

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