The Delhi Capitals reclaimed their winning momentum with a commanding 20-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals, rejuvenating their hopes for a spot in the IPL playoffs. Opting to field first, the Royals found themselves facing a formidable challenge as Tristan Stubbs unleashed a blistering innings, scoring a rapid 41 runs off just 20 balls, propelling the Capitals to a challenging total of 221/8.
In response, the Rajasthan Royals struggled to keep up with the mounting required run rate, ultimately falling short at 201 for 8. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the standout bowler for Delhi, showcasing his skills with a commendable bowling performance of 2/25. Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets each for the Capitals.
With this victory, the Delhi Capitals have now joined the ranks of Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants, all with 12 points each, intensifying the mid-table scramble for playoff berths. Skipper Sanju Samson led Rajasthan’s valiant chase with a remarkable half-century, but his impressive knock of 86 runs off 46 balls, adorned with eight fours and six sixes, was cut short controversially by a disputed catch by Shai Hope at the long-on boundary.
Subsequently, Kuldeep Yadav delivered crucial blows in his final over, effectively dashing Rajasthan’s hopes of staging a comeback. Earlier in the innings, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel formed a formidable partnership, amassing 60 runs in just 26 balls, before Ravichandran Ashwin triggered a collapse with his stellar bowling performance, claiming three wickets for 24 runs.
Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals: 221 for 8 in 20 overs (Jake Fraser-McGurk 50, Abhishek Porel 65; Ravichandran Aswhin 3/24).
Rajasthan Royals: 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 86; Kuldeep Yadav 2/25, Khaleel Ahmed 2/47, Mukesh Kumar 2/30).