New Delhi: Fierce hitting and fifties from Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson took Rajasthan Royals to 203 as they begin their IPL 2023 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Buttler and Jaiswal provided a cracking start as they opened the inning while Samson ensured RR finished over 200.  After getting hit for 17 runs in the first over, T Natarajan made a comeback and picked two key wickets, also ended up as SRH’s most economical bowler.

Buttler scored 54 off 22 within the powerplay as he hit 7 fours and 3 sixes. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is coming after a great run in the domestic circuit, scored 54 off 37 while captain Samson scored 55 off 32 before getting out to Natarajan.

As Buttler and Jaiswal began connecting the ball, it was raining fours and sixes. Samson ensured that the run rate continues to be over 10 per over and went on to hit 3 fours and 4 sixes.

Afghan pacer Fazhalhaq Farooqi was the one to dismiss both Buttler and Jaiswal and bowled a brilliant final over giving 10 runs. At a point, RR looked to cross the 215 mark but a few good overs by Natarajan and Farooqi were crucial in saving about 10 runs for SRH.

While Shimron Hetmyer played a cameo of 22* off 16, Devdutt Paddikal and Riyan Parag struggled and did not manage to make any notable contributions. While Parag was caught on short third man off Natarajan, Paddikal was bowled by a 149 kmph delivery by Umran Malik.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, leading SRH in absence of Aiden Markram, went for 36 runs in just three overs which is quite unlikely of him.

With the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Harry Brook and Glenn Phillips by their side, SRH will look to chase a 200+ total to begin their campaign on the right note.