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Dravid heroics futile as Warne's Rajasthan win easily
By
May 17, 2008, 15:39

Rahul Dravid’s heroic batting was in vain on Saturday as Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals team won their eighth match from their last nine by 65 runs in the Indian Premier League in Jaipur.

Dravid, under fire for his team’s position of last in the right-team standings, cracked 75 not out off just 36 balls including six fours and six sixes as Bangalore made 132-9 in their 20 overs, replying to Rajasthan’s 197-1. Bangalore never recovered after crashing to 5-3.

Pakistani left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir, whose 6-14 set a new Twenty20 record earlier in the tournament, claimed 3-10 from his four overs and Warne chipped in with 3-23 from four.

Rajasthan were boosted by 75 not out from their opener and South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who required 49 balls for his effort that comprised eight boundaries and two sixes. Shane Watson was 46 not out, after Swapnil Asnodkar’s 50. India opening bowler Zaheer Khan conceded 46 runs from his four overs, without a wicket.

Warne, captain and coach of Rajasthan, is now eyeing IPL success after enduring pre-tournament speculation that he was to lead the weakest side in the event.