IPL24: Fraser , Porel , Kuldeep fires DC to exciting win over RR & revive playoffs hopes

 

Delhi Capitals roared back into playoffs contention with a hard fought 20 run win over Rajasthan Royals.  The Royals fought hard to chase down 222 but despite Sanju Samson heroics they fell short by 20 runs and remained in  the 2nd spot in the points table . Earlier 50 plus explosive knocks from both the young openers helped Delhi Capitals to pile on 221 in their 20 overs . 

Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson won the toss and decided to bowl first.  But Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma could not start well.  From the first ball, Fraser McGurk was in a furious mood.  He was hitting big shots mostly in front of the wickets  one after another using the power play as he launched a fierce assault on the opposition bowlers .  Abhishek was playing slowly compared Fraser's big shot game.  Fraser scored a blistering 50 runs in just 19 balls.  However, he got out after failing to hit Ravichandran Ashwin's full toss in the very next ball.

 Abhishek opened his arms after the Australian batter was out.  He got a chance to play in most matches this season.  The Bengal batter used that opportunity.  He targeted Avesh Khan.  Abesh leaked 42 runs in 2 overs.  Abhishek made his fifty off 28 balls exhibiting wide array of shots .  Ashwin finally dismissed him.  Abhishek scored a glorious 65 runs off 36 balls.

 The two openers scored runs but the middle order batsmen were in trouble.  Shai Hope (1) got unfortunately run out at the non strikers end after the ball hit the stumps off the bowlers hand , Akshar Patel (15) and captain Rishabh Pant (15)also did not get many  runs after starting promisingly .  Ashwin bowled well.  He took 3 wickets with 24 runs.  It seemed that Delhi would not score 200 runs.  However Stubbs and Naib pulled the team from there.  The Afghan cricketer scored 19 runs in his first match in IPL.  Stubbs smashed 4s & 6s in the last two overs with breathtaking shots .

 Yuzvendra Chahal also bowled badly in this match.  He dismissed Pant but he leaked 48 runs.  Boult also leaked 48 runs beung hammered by Fraser earlier.  Sandeep too was smashed by Stubbs for 6s in the last over though he had him lbw .  As a result, Rajasthan could not keep Delhi within 200 runs.  In the end, Delhi's innings ended on 221 runs.  Stubbs was dismissed for 41 off 20 balls but not before he had done enough damage .

In response, Rajasthan did not get off to a good start.  The in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal scored only 4 runs on the day & was caught down the ground off Khaleel .  Buttler  who was earlier dropped by Stubbs also returned to the pavilion for just 19 runs bowled by Axar .  After that Sanju Samson started the fight.  The captain of Rajasthan Royals played an impeccable innings of 86 runs in just 46 balls in difficult conditions. Samson's strokeplay was sublime and effortless as he was singlehandedly demolishing the Delhi bowling with breathtaking shots .Riyan Parag (27) was llauing superbly too till he missed a straight one by Rasikh Salam. Samson was going great guns till he hoicked Mukesh Kumar and Shai Hope took the catch very close to the boundary.  The decision was referred to the 3rd umpire who judged Samson out though the replays did not show conclusive evidence that the fielder has or has not touched the ropes with his boots while completing the catch . Samson scored 86 off 46 balls with 8 fours and 6 sixes in his brilliant innings.  

 Shubham Dube (25 off 12) scored quick runs and looked dangerous till Khaleel got him .  But the onus was on Rovman Powell to finish the match.  But he could not finish the game and was bowled by Mukesh Kumar for 13.  In the end, Rajasthan lost one wicket after another and fell under pressure.  Finally their innings ended at 201 runs for 8 wickets.  Delhi won by 20 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav was outstanding with his bowling with 2/25 in 4 overs to snatch the player of the match award . Khaleel and Mukesh Kumar took 2 wickets each while Axar got 1 wicket . 

 As a result of the victory, Delhi (Delhi Capitals) entered the race for the playoffs.  For now, their collection is 12 points in 12 matches.  If they win the last two matches, they can go to the playoffs.  On the other hand, Rajasthan lost the chance to reach the top as a result of today's loss.  The top spot is currently occupied by KKR.  Another interesting event in today's match is Yuzvendra Chahal's record.  He became the first Indian to take 350 wickets in T20 cricket.  Chahal reached this precedent by taking the wicket of Rishabh Pant.