Abu Dhabi: Delhi Capitals earned their play-offs place in the Indian Premier League(IPL) beating Rajasthan Royals by 33 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Saturday. Skipper Sanju Samson’s valiant unbeaten knock 70 was not enough as Rajasthan batsmen struggled against Delhi’s bowling attack chasing down a total 155. Anrich Nortje(2/18) had a stellar out leading the charge of disciplined bowling performance after his side despite a scratchy start got to 154/6.
Earlier, Rajasthan skipper Samson’s decision to bowl first got clicked as Delhi lost both their openers inside the powerplay overs. Skipper Rishabh Pant(24) and Shreyas Iyer joined hand in the rebuilding process getting the side back to track. However, he too was struggling at the middle before getting dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman(2/22), one of the top picks of the Rajasthan bowler unit.
Rahul Tewatia(1/17) gave him a good support denying the Delhi batters to easy runs in middle overs. Iyer too after getting set at the crease was unable to convert it in a big knock. Meanwhile, late flourish from Shimron Hetmayer(28) help Delhi post a fighting total on the board. In reply, the lack lustre Rajasthan’s batting lineup was unable to withstand with the quality pace attack of Delhi.
Liam Livingstone failed to make of the most of his promotion to the opening slot after edging one behind Pant off Avesh Khan in the opening over with Yeshasvi Jaiswal followed his parter in the very next over as well.
Mahipal Lomror(19) was the only batsman to go into double figures beside his skipper Samson who fought a solitary battle. However, with wickets falling at the other end on a regular basis, it became difficult for Rajasthan. Star seamer Kagiso Rabada(1/26) also had a good outing helping side claim their third win on the trot.
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