In a scintillating showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) managed to notch up a crucial 20-run victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 56th match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With this impressive win, DC moves to 12 points, adding more intrigue to the IPL Points Table as they join three other teams with the same tally.
The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has been known for producing high scores this season, and this match was no exception. RR won the toss and opted to bowl first, confident in their batting depth to chase any target. DC’s openers made their intentions clear from the get-go, setting the team off to a flying start.
Jake Fraser-McGurk was the star of the innings with a breathtaking 19-ball half-century, surprisingly his slowest of the season. His explosive batting was on full display as he hammered bowler Avesh Khan for 28 runs in the fourth over, including four boundaries and two colossal sixes, reaching his fifty in that over.
However, Fraser-McGurk’s blitz was halted by R Ashwin, who managed to have him caught at cover by Donovan Ferreira. With the departure of Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel took up the mantle. Porel’s start was cautious yet confident, but he soon started attacking the bowlers, undeterred even by the early run-out of Shai Hope. Alongside him, Axar Patel provided stability until Ashwin struck again, catching Patel at long-on in the 10th over.
By the 10-over mark, DC had compiled an imposing 115 for three and looked set for a monumental score. Porel continued his aggressive form, hitting a six off Avesh Khan in the 11th over to bring up his maiden fifty in the TATA IPL 2024 in just 28 balls.
DC experienced a slight slowdown as they lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs. Porel was dismissed for 65 by Sandeep Sharma, and Chahal removed Rishabh Pant, marking his 350th wicket in T20 cricket. DC found themselves needing a rebuild, and Gulbadin Naib and Tristan Stubbs had to consolidate before attempting a final surge.
Stubbs ignited the closing overs with a dynamic 20-ball 41, featuring three boundaries and an equal number of sixes, two of which came in the last over from Sandeep Sharma. Chahal, despite a good IPL season, was targeted severely in the 18th over, going for 21 runs. Adding to the momentum, Rasikh Salam, an Impact Player, chipped in with two timely fours, ensuring DC ended their innings on a formidable 221 for eight.
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RR’s chase needed a prominent innings from one of their key batsmen, with captain Sanju Samson rising to the occasion. The start was mixed; Yashaswi Jaiswal hit a boundary off the first ball but was soon dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed. Jos Buttler, brought in as an Impact Player, took his time settling in as Samson seized control.
Samson’s innings was punctuated by powerful shots, reaching his 200th six in IPL cricket. Despite some missed opportunities, like Buttler’s dropped catch by Stubbs, Samson ensured RR crossed fifty in the fifth over. However, the loss of Buttler and a slow phase of scoring hampered RR’s progress.
At 93 for two at the halfway mark, RR were behind the required rate. Rasikh dismissed Riyan Parag, who had struggled for rhythm, for 27 in the 11th over. Samson, at 49 from 25 balls, then shifted into high gear, well-supported by Shubham Dube. Together, they added a brisk 59 runs in 29 balls, spearheading the chase. Samson’s aggressive streak ended with a well-fought 86 off 46 balls, caught brilliantly by Hope at long-on.
The game’s pace reached a frenzied peak in the slog overs. While RR continued to find boundaries, they kept losing wickets. Shubham Dube and debutant Donovan Ferreira succumbed in quick succession. Kuldeep Yadav’s 18th over was pivotal, as he conceded only four runs and claimed two wickets, including a catch at long-on.
With 37 required off the last two overs, RR pinned hope on Rovman Powell. However, Rasikh’s penultimate over left RR needing 29 from the final six balls. Mukesh Kumar clinched the game for DC by bowling out Powell, sealing the win effectively.
DC’s enthralling victory not only enhances their playoff chances but also spices up the TATA IPL 2024 Points Table, keeping the race for the top spots wide open.