On this day, March 29, 2022: Sanju Samson masterclass as Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad. It was the fifth match of the 2022 IPL played between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Pune. Rajasthan Royals were batting first and had an excellent start with openers Jaiswal and Buttler starting really well as they put up 58 runs in the power play. Both batters looked in sublime touch and RR started the game on a very strong note.
Just after the power play, Yashasvi Jaiswal lost his wicket for 20 runs while captain Sanju Samson walked in and took on the bowlers straight away. Rajasthan Royals lost their second wicket with 75 runs on the board as Jos Buttler departed for 35 runs of 28 balls. The game was in the balance. But Sanju Samson along with Shimron Hetmyer put up a good partnership. Hetmyer played an outstanding cameo of 32 runs off just 13 balls which changed the complexion of the game.
Hetmyer was dismissed by Natarajan for 32 but the damage had been done and Sanju Samson completed his half century to ensure Rajasthan Royals reached a total of more than 200. Samson departed for 55 runs off 27 balls at a strike rate of more than 200 as Rajasthan Royals finished with 210/6 at the end of the first innings. It was an excellent effort and an above par total at the halfway mark.
Chasing the target, Sunrisers Hyderabad lost quick wickets as Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna were excellent with the new ball. Sunrisers Hyderabad lost four wickets with just 29 runs on the board and the game was virtually done at that point. SRH finished their innings with 149/7 as Rajasthan Royals picked up an easy win. Sanju Samson was the player of the match for his terrific innings that helped RR pick up the win.
