IPL 2020: 'Sort of bittersweet' says Stokes on his match-winning century against Mumbai

Ben Stokes termed his match-winning century against Mumbai as 'bittersweet' after Rajasthan comprehensively beat title-holders by 8 wickets at Sheikh Zayed Stium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Stokes remained unbeaten on a 60-ball 107 as 2008 winners kept ir Dream11 IPL 2020 playoff hopes alive.

'Sort of bittersweet': Ben Stokes

"Sort of bittersweet to be honest. It took so long to get one for team. I would have preferred to get this form two or three games before when we weren't relying on or results to get us through to qualifiers. It's always nice to get back to form. We needed a result from today, so - it's a good victory. Training yesterday was best I have h for full time I have been here. Came into game with a lot more confidence than or games. Nice to spend some time out in middle and finish game off. ball was coming on nicely - be it short or full. It was hard when y dug it into wicket. We got ourselves into a great position by putting pressure back on every bowler who came on, be it Bumrah or anyone. It's a bit difficult at moment, things are a bit tough back at home, hopefully, this will give m some happiness," said Stokes during post-match interview.

His skipper Steve Smith went on to say that he was very happy with Rajasthan's win.

"Very pleased, that's what we're crying for, use experience, take game deep and that's what both Stokes and Samson did. wicket was playing good, ball was coming onto bat, re was intent - shots were flowing, y just played good cricketing shots - I thought partnership was fantastic. We played some good cricket in first half, dropped chance proved to be costly, perhaps we ended up giving away ar 40-45 runs, but it didn't matter in end. I hope our batters take confidence from this match and play kcks which will help team win," said Smith.

Smith's opposite number Kieron Pollard heaped praise on that special innings from Hardik Pandya which helped Mumbai post a stiff total of 195/5.

"I thought y batted well. Hardik brought us straight back in game with that kck at halfway st. We could have got a couple of wickets more, but wicket ended up becoming a little better. ir spinners got some help from pitch, but our spinners couldn't do that. At end of day, someone wins, someone loses. We just have to come out and play good cricket. Our bowlers tried, but well played to opposition. He went out and scored 60* off 21, an innings like that and we end up on losing side, that's just tough luck," he said.

(Im Courtesy: IPL Twitter)