Mumbai  (TIP)- Skipper Hardik Pandya enhanced his reputation as a No. 4 batter with an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls as Gujarat Titans trounced Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs in the Indian Premier League. Pandya, whose strike rate and approach has been questioned at his new position, played responsibly when it was needed before displaying the power he is known for to lead Titans to 192/4 after being sent in to bat. The in-form Jos Buttler (54 off 24) provided another flying start to Royals but the rest of the batting unit did not deliver as the innings ended at 155/9. Young left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (3/40) impressed on IPL debut while Lockie Ferguson (3/23) got the important wicket of Buttler, who was deceived by the New Zealander’s slow yorker after a series of quick deliveries. Ferguson also dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin in the same over after the senior India spinner was promoted to bat at No. 3.

The other notable contribution to Royals’ innings came from Shimron Hetmyer (29 off 17). From 56/1, Royals slipped to 90/5 and could not recover from there on.

Pandya, who has been bowling regularly this season, also picked up a wicket. He also ran out the dangerous Sanju Samson as the Royals skipper tried to steal a quick single.

With their fourth win in five games, Titans displaced Royals from the top of the points table. It was Royals’ second loss in five games.

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma fined Rs 24 lakh for team’s slow over-rate

Pune: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma and other members of the playing eleven were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their IPL game against Punjab Kings here.

Punjab Kings won the match by 12 runs on Wednesday night.

“The Mumbai Indians have been fined after they maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL match against Punjab Kings at the MCA Stadium, Pune on April 13,” the IPL stated in a media statement.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians continued their losing streak and suffered their fifth loss on the trot after going down to Punjab Kings. “This was the team’s second offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences.

“Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma was fined Rs 24 lakh and the rest of the members in the playing eleven were fined Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their match fee, whichever is lower,” it added. Earlier, Rohit was fined Rs 12 lakh for his team maintaining a slow over-rate in its game against Delhi Capitals.

          Source: PTI