Captain Steve Smith and Sanju Samson delivered standout performances to lead the Rajasthan Royals to a 16-run win over Chennai Super Kings during the tournament's fourth game in Sharjah. Despite a strong effort, CSK finished their 20 overs at 200 for 6, falling short of the 217-run target. Samson's incredible batting earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ title.
Having been sent in to bat first, RR posted a total of 216 for seven. The score was anchored by Sanju Samson's 74 and Steve Smith's 69, with Samson particularly aggressive against the CSK spin attack, hitting nine sixes and a four.
The second-wicket stand between Smith and Samson was a highlight, totaling 121 runs. The RR score was further boosted to 216 thanks to a late explosion from Jofra Archer, who took 27 runs off only eight balls in the final over from Lungi Ngidi. For the opposition, Sam Curran was the most efficient bowler, claiming three wickets for 33 runs.
Duplessis put up a fight with a quick-fire 72 off 37 balls, including seven sixes, echoing his match-winning form from the opener against Mumbai Indians. MS Dhoni remained not out with 29 off 17, but his three sixes weren't enough to chase down the massive target. Samson also shone defensively with two stumpings and two catches, while Rahul Tewatia was RR's top bowler, taking three wickets for 37 runs.