Led by a strong batting performance that set the platform, the Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched an impressive 20-run victory against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This pivotal win injects fresh excitement into the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Points Table, pushing DC to 12 points, where they now stand alongside three other competitive teams.
In a fixture known for producing high-scoring affairs, RR’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss indicated their confidence in their batting lineup’s ability to chase any target. This seemed a wise choice, given the pitch’s reputation for delivering big runs. The anticipation was palpable as DC openers took to the crease, ready to set the tone for the match.
Jake Fraser-McGurk quickly became the star attraction, dazzling spectators with an aggressive approach that notched up a lightning-fast half-century in just 19 balls. Remarkably, this was his slowest half-century of the season, underscoring his explosive impact in the tournament. The fourth over of the innings, bowled by Avesh Khan, became a memorable spectacle as Fraser-McGurk smashed 28 runs off it, featuring four boundaries and two towering sixes to complete his fifty.
Despite Fraser-McGurk’s blazing start, his innings was cut short by R Ashwin, who managed to induce an edge straight to cover, where Donovan Ferreira made no mistake. The setback did little to deter DC’s momentum. Abishek Porel, who had begun cautiously, soon accelerated following Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal. Even the early run-out of Shai Hope did not faze Porel, who continued to pressure the bowlers effectively. Axar Patel provided valuable support until the 10th over when Ashwin struck again, catching Patel at long-on. By the halfway mark, DC had reached 115 for three, setting the stage for a substantial total.
Porel maintained his aggression, reaching his maiden fifty in the TATA IPL 2024 with a six off Avesh Khan in the 11th over, requiring just 28 balls. DC’s innings experienced a brief slowdown as they lost a few quick wickets, including Porel who fell for a well-made 65 off Sandeep Sharma. Yuzvendra Chahal, who celebrated his 350th wicket in T20 cricket by dismissing Rishabh Pant, further applied the brakes on DC’s scoring rate. However, DC still had firepower left in the tank.
Tristan Stubbs and Gulbadin Naib were tasked with rebuilding the innings and setting the platform for a final assault in the death overs. Stubbs delivered in style, smashing a 20-ball 41, featuring three boundaries and three sixes – two of which came in a costly final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma.
. In the preceding overs, Chahal faced a rare off-day as he was taken apart for 21 runs in the 18th over. Rasikh Salam’s late flourish as an Impact Player, where he chipped in with two cheeky boundaries, capped off DC’s innings at an imposing 221 for eight.
Chasing a formidable target, RR relied heavily on their captain Sanju Samson to deliver a quintessential knock. Yashaswi Jaiswal’s early four off the first ball offered promise, but his immediate dismissal off Khaleel Ahmed’s second delivery pegged RR back. Jos Buttler, slotted in as the Impact Player, took time to settle, allowing Samson to take charge. Samson, determined and confident, shifted into top gear by smashing Khaleel for a towering six in the third over.
Samson continued piling on the pressure with subsequent boundaries off Ishant Sharma. The turning point of the early overs came when Buttler, having been granted a reprieve by Tristan Stubbs, could not capitalize and was eventually undone by an inside edge off Axar Patel. With RR losing momentum, Riyan Parag’s slow start didn’t help, and at the halfway stage, RR were behind at 93 for two.
Samson’s solo charge kept RR’s hopes alive. His 49 off 25 balls was a testament to his resolve, but with Riyan Parag falling for 27 shortly after, the required run rate kept escalating. Samson, partnering with Shubham Dube, upped the ante by powering boundaries, adding 59 runs in quick succession to reignite the chase. Samson’s brilliant 46-ball 86 eventually came to an end through a stunning catch by Hope, giving Mukesh Kumar a vital breakthrough.
RR was left needing a herculean effort in the final overs. Despite Samson’s heroics, the constant fall of wickets hampered their chase. The dismissal of Shubham Dube and the introduction of debutant Donovan Ferreira, stymied further progress. Kuldeep Yadav’s tight 18th over, highlighted by the wickets of Ferreira and a critical catch at long-on to remove Ashwin, drastically reduced RR’s chances.
Facing a daunting task of 29 runs in the final over, RR’s last hope, Rovman Powell, was stifled by excellent death bowling. Mukesh Kumar’s composure saw him dismiss Powell, effectively sealing a well-earned victory for DC.