Led by a robust batting performance that set the stage for a comprehensive win, Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious against Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a 20-run margin at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This vital win propels DC to 12 points on the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Points Table, placing them in contention alongside three other competing teams.
On a pitch known for rendering high scores, RR won the toss and opted to field, confident in their batting prowess to chase down any total posted by DC. The match unfolded with a blazing start from the DC openers, setting the tone for an explosive batting display.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive style, was at his best, reaching a rapid half-century in just 19 balls—remarkably, his slowest fifty of the season. In an electrifying fourth over bowled by Avesh Khan, Fraser-McGurk smashed four boundaries and two sixes, bringing up his fifty and carting the over for 28 runs.
Despite his stellar start, Fraser-McGurk’s innings came to an abrupt end as R Ashwin had him caught at cover by Donovan Ferreira. Nevertheless, Abishek Porel took the reins, initially getting off to a steady start with a couple of boundaries before accelerating the run rate post Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal. Shai Hope’s early run-out did little to deter Porel, who continued his assault on the RR bowlers.
Axar Patel provided valuable support until the 10th over, when Ashwin struck again, catching Patel at long-on. At the halfway mark, Delhi Capitals were 115 for three, well on their way to a formidable total. Porel then magnificently raced to his first fifty of the TATA IPL 2024 in just 28 balls, clobbering Avesh for a six in the 11th over.
However, DC’s momentum wavered as they lost quick wickets. Porel was eventually caught off Sandeep Sharma for 65, and Rishabh Pant fell to Yuzvendra Chahal, who celebrated his 350th T20 wicket. Gulbadin Naib and Tristan Stubbs then entered the fray, needing to consolidate before the final onslaught.
Tristan Stubbs took charge of the final overs, launching a blistering attack. His 20-ball 41 included three fours and three sixes, two of which vividly punctuated the last over bowled by Sandeep. Chahal, despite having an impressive season, was dispatched for 21 runs in the 18th over. Impact Player Rasikh Salam made an immediate impact by scooping two boundaries to raucous applause from his teammates. Delhi Capitals concluded their innings at an imposing 221 for eight, aware that recent trends supported a strong reply from RR.
Rajasthan Royals’ chase hinged on major performances from their top batsmen.
. Captain Sanju Samson, sensing the gravity of the moment, led from the front. Yashaswi Jaiswal’s promising start was cut short by Khaleel Ahmed on the very next ball. Impact Player Jos Buttler took a cautious approach, allowing Samson to take the brunt of the attack.
Samson shifted gears in the third over, smashing a colossal six off Khaleel to mark his 200th six in IPL history. Over the next few overs, Samson continued his barrage, hitting Ishant Sharma for multiple boundaries. The fifth over nearly saw Buttler’s downfall, but a dropped catch by Stubbs gave him reprieve. Samson capitalized, pushing RR past fifty in no time.
In the sixth over, Buttler managed two boundaries but was eventually undone by an inside-edge off Axar Patel. This breakthrough sparked renewed celebrations for DC. The proceeding overs saw a deceleration in RR’s scoring as Riyan Parag struggled to get going. At the halfway stage, RR lagged at 93 for two, trailing behind the required rate.
Samson was relentless, though, unfurling a series of aggressive strokes. Supported by Shubham Dube (25 off 12 balls), the duo resurrected the chase, adding 59 runs in just 29 balls. Samson’s audacious innings saw him move past fifty and maintain an attacking stance until Mukesh Kumar dismissed him for 86 off 46 balls, with Shai Hope grabbing a stunner at long-on.
The final overs were a nail-biting affair. Despite hitting boundaries, RR kept losing wickets at critical junctures. Shubham Dube’s attempt to clear the ropes ended prematurely, and debutant Ferreira was trapped leg-before by Kuldeep Yadav in the 18th over—a critical moment that swung the game in DC’s favor.
With 37 runs required off the last two overs, RR’s hopes rested heavily on Rovman Powell. However, Rasikh Salam’s excellent penultimate over conceded just eight runs, restricting Powell’s big-hitting ability.
Needing 29 runs off the final over, Mukesh Kumar’s precise bowling saw Powell bowled off the second delivery, effectively securing a well-fought victory for DC.