By Delhi Capitals triumph in high-scoring thriller against Rajasthan Royals, stay in playoff race
Delhi Capitals emerged victorious in a high-scoring encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where both teams amassed totals exceeding 200. With this win, Delhi moved up to 12 points, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the playoffs. They managed to withstand a spirited innings from Sanju Samson during the chase to clinch a tense match.
Key Moments:
Rajasthan’s run rate in the death overs suffered a significant drop compared to Delhi Capitals’, primarily due to accurate bowling. However, Rajasthan found themselves questioning a decision that could have potentially changed the game. Sanju Samson, on 86, was given out caught after a close call involving fielder Shai Hope near the boundary. Despite some replays suggesting a need for further scrutiny, the third umpire, Micheal Gough, swiftly ruled in favor of the fielder. This decision left Samson dissatisfied as he had to return to the pavilion.
Following Samson’s dismissal, Delhi Capitals’ captain turned to Kuldeep Yadav for the 18th over, a move that proved tactical. Kuldeep dismissed Donovan Ferreira and R. Ashwin in that over, finishing with figures of 2/25 and effectively sealing the win for his team.
Delhi Capitals:
Fraser-McGurk’s explosive start:
During Powerplay (overs 1 to 6) – 78/2 (11 fours, 4 sixes)
Jake Fraser-McGurk set a new IPL record for the fastest fifty within 20 balls, achieved in his debut season. His batting was once again remarkable as he faced a different challenge early on but responded with aggressive strokes. Fraser-McGurk’s assault included smashing Avesh Khan for 28 runs in an over, reaching his fifty in just 19 balls. Despite his dismissal, Fraser-McGurk’s onslaught in the Powerplay laid a solid foundation for Delhi Capitals.
Ashwin’s crucial spell:
During the middle overs (overs 7 to 15) – 83/2 (4 fours, 3 sixes)
Delhi Capitals sent in Axar Patel at No. 4, a move that did not pay off as expected. However, Abhishek Porel’s aggressive batting kept the run rate high. As RR struggled to prevent boundaries, Ashwin stepped up with a sharp spell, taking crucial wickets to halt RR’s progress. His tight bowling in the middle period, yielding no boundaries, helped Delhi Capitals maintain control over the game.
Delhi Capitals resist Samson assault
Stubbs’ late surge:
During the death overs (overs 16 to 20) – 65/3 (7 fours, 4 sixes)
Led by Tristan Stubbs, Delhi Capitals unleashed a late surge in the death overs. Stubbs’ aggressive batting, including a 21-run over off Yuzvendra Chahal, helped Delhi Capitals reach a formidable total of 221.
Rajasthan Royals:
Samson’s aggressive start:
During Powerplay – 67/2 (8 fours, 4 sixes)
Despite losing early wickets, Rajasthan Royals had a good start in the Powerplay, with Sanju Samson leading the charge. Samson’s aggressive strokes, including three sixes in an over, set the tone for Rajasthan’s chase.
Samson’s continued aggression:
During the middle overs – 92/1 (5 fours, 7 sixes)
Although Rajasthan Royals lost wickets, Samson continued to attack, hitting boundaries and sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. His aggressive batting kept Rajasthan in the hunt for a win.
Rajasthan’s collapse:
During the death overs – 42/5 (4 fours, 2 sixes)
After Samson’s dismissal, Rajasthan Royals’ chase faltered. Despite Rovman Powell’s efforts, Rajasthan fell short as Delhi Capitals’ bowlers tightened the screws in the death overs.
Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 221/8 (Jake Fraser-McGurk 50, Abhishek Porel 65, Tristan Stubbs 41; R Ashwin 3-24) beat Rajasthan Royals 201/8 (Sanju Samson 86) by 20 runs
Upcoming Matches:
Rajasthan Royals have a four-day gap before their next game against Chennai Super Kings on May 12. On the same day, Delhi Capitals will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru.
