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Rajasthan Royals continued their dream run in the IPL and registered their eighth win in the tournament when they defeated Bangalore Royal Chellengers by 65 runs at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur on May 17, 2008. Batting first, Rajasthan put up a formidable total of 197 runs in 20 overs. Graeme Smith (75* runs, 8X4 , 2 X6) and Swapnil Asnodkar( 50 runs, 7X4 , 1 X6) laid a solid foundation for the hosts putting on 109 runs for the first wicket. After Asnodkar departed, Shane Watson (46* runs, 6X4) supported Smith at the other end as the duo hit the Bangalore bowlers all round the park. Anil Kumble was the solitary wicket taker for Bangalore.
Chasing a daunting target of 198 runs, Bangalore was off to a disastrous start losing 3 wickets for just 5 runs. None of the Bangalore batsmen barring Rahul Dravid (75 runs, 6X4, 6X6) played a big knock as the visitors fell short by 65 runs. Dravid's innings only helped to reduce the margin of defeat as Rajasthan are now almost certain to book their berth for the semi finals. Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir were the pick of bowlers for the hosts claiming 3 wickets each. Munaf Patel claimed 2 victims whereas Trivedi picked up 1 wicket. Rajasthan now has 16 points from 10 games whereas Bangalore has 4 points from 10 matches.
Brief Scores
Rajasthan Royals: 197/1 in 20 overs
Bangalore Royal Challengers: 132/ 9 in 20 overs
Man of the Match: Graeme Smith (Rajasthan Royals)
