SHARJAH AFP: Ravichandran Ashwin won his latest battle with England’s Jos Buttler a season after their ugly ‘Mankading’ showdown as Delhi Capitals inflicted a fourth straight Indian Premier League defeat on Rajasthan Royals to go back top of the table.
Last year’s game between the two was dominated by the sportsmanship row that erupted after Ashwin took off the bails at the bowler’s end when Buttler strayed too far out of his crease looking for a run.
There was no repeat in the new clash but Ashwin did claim Buttler’s wicket as his side took a 46-run victory in the sweltering Sharjah heat.
This time Buttler could not complain.
He was one of a host of Rajasthan batsmen to give their wickets away cheaply in the latest disappointment for captain Steve Smith.