Steve Smith fined for slow over-rate against Mumbai Indians

Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith fined for slow over at after loss against Mumbai Indians in the last match. He was fined for INR 12 Lakh for first over-rate offence by Rajasthan Royals. IPL media release said, “As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr. Smith was fined Rs 12 lakh.”

Previously Indian and RCB skipper Virat Kohli was also fined for the slow-over rate. This is not something new, though the BCCI and the ICC are taking it quite seriously. It is a rule that has been applied more often than not and the skippers would want to not breach it too often, as it could cost them, both financially and with regards to the tournament as well if they get a ban.

The Talking Points Of The Game-

Mumbai Indians steamrolled Smith-lead Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs. Mumbai Indians set the huge target of 194 in front of Royals. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 79 runs off 47 balls comprising with 11 boundaries and two humongous sixes. Skipper Rohit Sharma smashed 35 runs off 47 balls comprising of two overs and three fours. Proteas opener Quinton de Cock could score only 23 runs off 15 balls. Right-arm leggie Shreyas Gopal bagged two back to back wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Allrounder Krunal Pandya could score only 12 runs off 17 balls. Though Indian batsman Hardik Pandya finished innings on high by scoring 30 runs off 19 balls comprising with two fours and one six.

In front of the huge target of 194 runs, Rajasthan Royals crumbled in the first few overs. Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal departed in the first over of the match. Kiwi pacer Trent Boult bagged his wicket on the duck. Skipper Steve Smith tried unorthodox stoke against Mumbai Indians speedster Jasprit Bumrah and got out for only six runs.

English wicket-keeper batsman Jos Butler played a lone hand in the chase. He amassed 70 runs off 44 balls comprising of four elegant boundaries and five mammoth sixes. Two-down batsman Sanju Samson dismissed on duck by Trent Boult. Indian young batsman Mahipal Lomror dismissed on 11 runs by right-arm leggie Rahul Chahar. English speedster Jofra Archer smashed 24 runs off 11 balls with three fours and one six. Rajasthan Royals could make only a meagre total of 136 runs, losing all 10 of their wickets.

Rajasthan suffered three consecutive losses in this season of IPL. It left Rajasthan Royals at the second-last position in the points table. The team will play against the Delhi Capitals next. The game will be played on Friday. They will be keen on winning the match and securing two crucial points.

What Next For The Rajasthan Royals In The IPL 2020 Tournament?

So far, the tournament has already produced some close encounters. It is looking good and the cricket is also very positive. After the initial ups and downs and controversies, the competiton is in full flow.

Despite that, the Rajasthan Royals need to start producing results. That is, if they want to finish in the top four this term. They are currently in the penultimate position of the points table. That is something that would not be a good sign for them and their fans.

Further, the problem of inconsistency is one that they would surely like to address and fast. Steve Smith will also be worried about his own form as well. He has not been up to the mark and the captain will want to lead from the front. If he can deliver some good performances, the team has a chance to win more games.

However, that has not really been the case so far. Despite that, the fans will be hoping that it changes and he can really play well. The business end of the current season is nearly upon us. Whichever team now plays well in the upcoming few weeks, has a chance of making it to the playoffs.

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