 Watson pilots Rajasthan Royals into IPL final
31st May 2008 10:00 IST
Agencies
If Watson stole the major honours of the day, teammate Yusuf Pathan also played a key role and celebrated his Team India inclusion with a whirlwind 45 in 21 balls with four sixes and three fours.
The hard-hitting Pathan, named in the Indian 15 for next month's tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan earlier in the day, creamed the hapless Delhi attack, which included Glenn McGrath, to hit four sixes and three fours in his 21-ball knock.
Both Watson and Pathan took ample advantage of the good half century start provided by pint-sized opener Swapnil Asnodkar (39 in 21 balls) and Graeme Smith, who made 25 in the same number of balls despite being hampered by a pulled leg muscle which required a runner.
Watson put on breezy 52 runs from 29 balls with Mohammad Kaif (12) after Rajasthan Royals slid to 76 for three from 65 for no loss in quick time.
Pathan, the 25-year-old Baroda all-rounder took over the attacking reins from Watson, who stroked his way to a fine half century in 29 balls with four sixes and three fours.
The efforts of Watson and Pathan helped Rajasthan Royals add 109 runs in the last 10 overs after the sound beginning provided by Smith and Asnodkar who put on 65 runs in 40 balls.
Watson was the obvious choice for the Man of the Match award.
Rajasthan Royals now await the winners of the second semi-final, to be played at the same venue on Saturday between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings, in the final to be played at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on June 1. |
