New Delhi: English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was bought for a whopping Rs 14 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction earlier this year by Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), is peaking at the right time. After a series of poor scores with the bat, Stokes single-handedly guided his team to a stunning win over Gujarat Lions in Match 39 of the tournament on Monday night.
Chasing a decent total of 161 runs, RPS got off to a forgettable start after losing Ajinkya Rahane (4), skipper Steve Smith (4) and Manoj Tiwary (0) in the first two over of the innings. At a time when the innings was left in tatters, Stokes launched a sensational counter-attack much to the disbelief of all those who were watching the match.
Stokes brought Pune’s innings back on track by adding 32 runs for the fourth wicket with Rahul Tripathi and then a 76-run stand with MS Dhoni for the fifth wicket. After Dhoni was dismissed in the 17th over, the left-handed batsman took the onus on his shoulders and guided RPS to an emphatic win.
Twitter was full of praise for Stokes’ century. Here are some of the reactions:
Steve Smith: “Great win for the Supergiant tonight @benstokes38 was absolutely magnificent, great @ MCA.”
Great win for the Supergiant tonight @benstokes38 was absolutely magnificent, great @ MCA… https://t.co/WD43Hzhr6T
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) May 1, 2017
Glenn Maxwell: “That’s as good as a t20 hundred can get! Coming in at 5 in the 2nd over under pressure. Incredible @benstokes38! #wortheverycent #freak”
That’s as good as a t20 hundred can get! Coming in at 5 in the 2nd over under pressure. Incredible @benstokes38! #wortheverycent #freak
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) May 1, 2017
Yuvraj Singh: “Ben strokes ! A serious knock @benstokes38 too much talent this guy possesses! Beautiful to watch as a left hander.”
Ben strokes ! A serious knock @benstokes38 too much talent this guy possesses! Beautiful to watch as a left hander
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 1, 2017
Faf du Plessis: “Take a bow @benstokes38 ..wow what a batting display that was…”
Take a bow @benstokes38 ..wow what a batting display that was…
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) May 1, 2017
Kevin Pietersen: “You absolutely STAR – @benstokes38.”
You absolutely STAR – @benstokes38
— KP (@KP24) May 1, 2017
RPS, who finished second place from bottom in 2016, are currently at fourth position in points table with six wins from ten matches.
They will now take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next match at Eden Gardens on May 3.
Source: Zee News