IPL 5: Vettori lauds Rajasthan Royals' batting

Stunned by a relatively weaker opposition on paper, Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Daniel Vettori today admitted that Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant ton and Owais Shah's quick-fire's half century spoiled the day for his side against Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League match in Bangalore on Sunday.

Rahane produced a scintillating 103-run unbeaten knock off just 60 balls and together with Owais Shah (60 off 29) stitched 121 runs off 8.2 overs for the second wicket to guide Rajasthan to a mammoth 195 for two after opting to bat at the R Chinnaswamy Stadium, which eventually proved too much for the star-studded RCB line-up as the were bowled out for 136.

"We were pretty satisfied with how we started but then Rahane and Shah really took the game away from us. We know we can come back from this. We need to get back to winning ways," Vettori said after the demoralising 59-run loss.

His compatriot and winning skipper, Rahul Dravid too praised Rahane and Shah for their brilliant show with the bat.

"Shah and Rahane batted splendidly. Some of their shots were incredible and they played those shots against a side that has five international bowlers," he said.

Rahane, who scored the maiden century of IPL V, said the 103-run unbeaten innings was a "special" one.

"That was a special knock from me and I would like to congratulate my teammates for their performance as well," he said.

"I am playing along side my role model, Dravid, so I get to learn a lot of things from him. This is quite a long tournament, so I just need to keep my form going," Rahane added.