BANGALORE: An astonishing 32-ball 85-run unbeaten sixth wicket stand between Steven Smith and James Faulkner made a turn around to take Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling five-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a day/night Twenty20 match in the Indian Premier League here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a tough target of 191, Rajasthan made a steady start as Karun Nair (56) and Ajinkya Rahane (24) made 54 for the opening wicket partnership but then they lost three quick wickets for nine runs. Later, they were reeling at 106 for five in the 14th over.
However, Smith and Faulkner came to rescue and changed the entire scene to snatch the win with seven balls remaining.
Smith made 48 from 21 balls with four sixes and as many fours while Faulkner scored 41 off just 17 balls with three sixes and three boundaries. Both remained not out.
Earlier, Bangalore made 190 for five in 20 overs, thanks to Yuvraj Singh who smashed 83 from 38 balls. He hit seven sixes and seven fours. Later, Yuvraj grabbed four wickets for 35 runs.