Ben Stokes not only showed sportsmanship to win hearts but also set an example for young cricketers who may get tempted to cross the line, given the high stakes they play under. But Stokes won respect and that is what makes the game we love so beautiful! Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are making a return to the IPL stage, have won three out of their six games. But this game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is crucial from their point of view because now we are entering the business end of the tournament.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat first. This was on the cards considering they had won their last two clashes bowling second. But Shikhar Dhawan disappointed, departing early for 6 runs. He played down a K Gowtham ball. But that did not stem the flow of runs as an in-form Williamson continued the strike. On the other end, he had Alex Hales for the company. Both were well set and the team will look to set a target of anything between 160-170.
Can Ben Stokes us his fair play points during the court hearing? #RRvSRH
— Lux Pursuits (@LuxPursuits) April 29, 2018
But here is what happened in the 9th over when Hales hit Sodhi to the deep square on the leg side. Stokes ran, got to the ball, but the ball popped out of his hand as his elbow hit the ground. But as everybody was ready to applaud his efforts, Stokes, like a true gentleman, said ‘no’.
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Here is how Twitter reacted to the effort by Stokes:
Can Ben Stokes us his fair play points during the court hearing? #RRvSRH
— Lux Pursuits (@LuxPursuits) April 29, 2018
Ben stokes proved himself as ” i am not Ahmed shezhad “
— ANBARASU RAVI (@ANBURAVI4) April 29, 2018
Ben Stokes after missing the catch..
____..____.._____ ____.. pic.twitter.com/qQi1Kd1Rbc— Man with a harmonica (@3lightSonata) April 29, 2018
#RRvSRH Ben stokes is such a sport!! Clearly said he didn’t took the catch…Had it been other player they would have checked for third umpire and would have wasted 5 minutes..Well done stokes,Surely your team will earn good points at fair play.
— Shoeb Zama (@shoebzama83) April 29, 2018
Ben Stokes has just earned #RR a few points for IPL Fair Play Award. #RRvSRH #VIVOIPL
— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) April 29, 2018
Ben Stokes catches Alex Hales but the ball bobbled out and hit the ground and back into his hand. Stokes straight away said no catch. It was obvious on camera, but Ben was very quick to say it had hit the deck.
— Paul Double Teapot (@LegB4Cricket) April 29, 2018
As we speak, SRH are 133 for 3 in the 16th over.
