Terming Shane Watson's 70-run knock off just 34 balls as "extraordinary", Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said that the Aussie all-rounder changed the complexion of the game in just four to five overs.
Chasing 142 for a win, Rajasthan lost three wickets inside five overs before Watson played a smashing knock to help Rajasthan Royals register a dramatic five-wicket victory over table-toppers Chennai Super Kings with 17 balls to spare in their IPL match here last night.
"It was an extraordinary innings by Shane Watson. When everybody else was struggling on a lively surface he changed the complexion of the game like a flick of a switch. He turned the game around so quickly," Fleming told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"In four to five overs he took the game away from us," he added.
The Royals were struggling at 19 for three in the fifth over before they were reduced to 45 for four in the 10th, and Fleming said that the Super Kings had everything under control till Watson came to the crease.
"The bowling was good and our bowlers had delivered till then. It is rare when we see a five seamer attack here and we relied on R Ashwin for spin. But he was clobbered for 23 runs in his first over and this worked like a catalyst for them.
"The ball was seaming around and they were waiting for this opportunity. Ashwin's over cost us. We all knew Watson had talent but this innings proved he is phenomenal," the former New Zealand skipper said.
Praising the upcoming medium-pacer Mohit Sharma, Fleming said, "He has been outstanding for us this season and bowled a fine opening spell to put pressure.
"The West Indian lad Jason Holder too bowled beautifully.
