The Delhi Capitals (DC) secured an electrifying 20-run victory against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Match 56 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This win significantly impacts the IPL 2024 Points Table, propelling DC to 12 points, tying with three other teams and making the battle for playoff spots even more intense.
Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, RR aimed to exploit their batting strength to chase down any target. However, it was soon evident that the pitch was conducive to big scores, as DC’s openers kick-started their innings with a bang.
Jake Fraser-McGurk showcased a breathtaking display of aggressive batting, storming to a 19-ball half-century. Astonishingly, this rapid milestone was his slowest fifty of the season, underscoring his impactful presence in the tournament. His explosive performance saw Avesh Khan being taken apart for 28 runs in the fourth over, highlighted by four fours and two sixes. However, Fraser-McGurk’s blistering innings came to an end when he was caught at cover off R Ashwin’s bowling.
Abishek Porel, who began his innings steadily, took up the mantle following Fraser-McGurk’s departure. Despite the early run-out of Shai Hope, Porel remained undeterred, attacking the RR bowlers with confidence. Axar Patel supported him until the 10th over before being caught at long-on off Ashwin’s delivery. By the halfway mark, DC was well-placed at 115 for three, poised for a significant total.
Porel continued his onslaught, reaching his maiden IPL half-century off just 28 balls with a six off Avesh Khan. However, DC’s momentum was briefly interrupted by a spate of quick wickets. Porel was dismissed for a robust 65, and skipper Rishabh Pant was taken out by Yuzvendra Chahal, who celebrated his 350th T20 wicket.
As the match progressed, Gulbadin Naib and Tristan Stubbs began to rebuild the innings. Stubbs, known for his aggressive late-hitting, switched gears in the death overs. His enterprising 20-ball 41, laced with three fours and three sixes, two of which came in the last over from Sandeep Sharma, bolstered DC’s total.
Chahal, who had an impressive season, faced an onslaught in the 18th over, conceding 21 runs.
. Rasikh Salam, brought in as an Impact Player, added late fireworks with two boundaries, delighting his teammates. DC concluded their innings with a formidable 221 for eight, a challenging total but not beyond RR’s reach.
RR’s chase required a standout performance, and captain Sanju Samson rose to the occasion with an extraordinary innings. Despite losing Yashaswi Jaiswal early to Khaleel Ahmed, and Jos Buttler taking time to settle, Samson took charge. He smashed Khaleel for a colossal six in the third over, marking his 200th six in IPL, and followed it with an aggressive barrage against Ishant Sharma.
RR’s momentum stuttered momentarily with Buttler’s dismissal to Axar Patel, sparking a slowdown in the scoring rate. At the halfway stage, RR were 93 for two, trailing the required rate. Rasikh struck again in the 11th over, removing Riyan Parag for 27.
Samson, on 49 off 25 balls, shifted gears to accelerate the chase, partnered by Shubham Dube. The duo added 59 runs in 29 balls, with Samson reaching his half-century and continuing his aggressive approach. Mukesh Kumar finally ended Samson’s valiant innings at 86 off 46 balls, brilliantly caught by Shai Hope at long-on.
In the tense final overs, while RR managed occasional boundaries, they also lost pivotal wickets. Shubham Dube’s attempt to clear the ropes ended his innings at 25, and debutant Donovan Ferreira was trapped leg-before by Kuldeep Yadav in the 18th over. Kuldeep’s tight over, conceding just four runs, was crucial for DC.
Facing 37 runs required off the last two overs, all eyes were on Rovman Powell. Rasikh bowled an excellent penultimate over, giving away only eight runs and restricting Powell’s big hits. With 29 needed off the final over, Mukesh bowled Powell off the second ball, effectively sealing the victory for DC.
The match concluded with DC securing a 20-run win, adding a significant twist to the IPL 2024 narrative and keeping their playoff hopes alive.