Starc-inspired Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan via super over

New Delhi, April 16: In a heart-stopping contest that lived up to the pulsating expectations of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals edged past Rajasthan Royals via a thrilling Super Over finish at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday night.
A match that swung like a pendulum till the very end finally saw the hosts hold their nerve, thanks to a stunning final over by Australian speedster Mitchell Starc, who ensured the game went the distance before his team clinched the win in a dramatic finish.
The high-octane clash saw both teams locked at 188 runs apiece at the end of 40 overs of high-quality T20 cricket. What followed was a nervy Super Over where Delhi, chasing 12 runs to win, knocked off the target in just four balls to seal the match.
With Rajasthan Royals needing just nine runs off the final over to overhaul Delhi’s total, the stage was set for a routine finish. But Mitchell Starc, known for delivering in crunch moments, rose to the occasion with a spell of calm aggression. He conceded only eight runs in the final six balls, keeping a lid on the Royals’ scoring options with precision yorkers and clever changes of pace. His heroics not only denied RR a win in regulation time but dragged the contest into the Super Over — the first for both teams this season.
In the high-pressure decider, DC held their composure. Chasing 12 runs, their batters displayed nerves of steel and sealed the match in just four deliveries, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The composure shown by the batters in the face of mounting pressure was commendable, capping off a night of nail-biting excitement.
Earlier in the evening, Delhi Capitals, put into bat, posted a competitive 188 for 5 in their 20 overs.
The innings was anchored early on by Abhishek Porel, who looked in complete control during his 37-ball 49. The young left-hander played some exquisite strokes, ensuring Delhi had a solid platform.
KL Rahul, making a return to the side, looked scratchy throughout his innings, managing 38 off 32 balls. While his knock lacked fluency, it served as a stabilising act during the middle phase of the innings.
The momentum, however, shifted dramatically in the final overs. Skipper Axar Patel played a blinder, smashing 34 off just 14 balls with calculated aggression.
Tristan Stubbs, continuing his fine run of form, remained unbeaten on 34 off 18, displaying his clean striking ability and helping DC breach the 185-run mark. The late blitzkrieg by the duo added 57 runs in the final five overs, pushing the score to a fighting total.
Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers for Rajasthan, finishing with respectable figures of 2 for 32, keeping the Delhi batters in check during the middle overs.
Chasing 189, Rajasthan Royals came out with intent. Young southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to impress, scoring a scintillating 51 off just 27 deliveries. His strokeplay was a blend of elegance and brute power, particularly strong through the off-side.
He found an able ally in Nitish Rana, who matched him shot for shot with an equally aggressive 51 off 28 balls.
The pair looked set to cruise to the target with ease, taking the score past the 150-mark by the 15th over. However, a couple of tight overs and timely wickets tilted the balance back in Delhi’s favour.
As the tension mounted in the final overs, the Capitals’ bowlers, led by the ever-dependable Starc, tightened the screws. Rajasthan’s chase faltered just at the brink of victory, ending in a tie at 188 for 4. (PTI)