IPL 2022: DC vs RR Review – Rajasthan overcome Delhi scare
The Rajasthan Royals prevailed in a dramatic, high-scoring thriller against the Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium. Having posted the highest total of the season so far, a gigantic 222/2 set up by Jos Buttler’s sensational 65-ball 116, the Royals’ bowlers held their nerves to restrict Rishabh Pant and Co. 15 runs short to jump to the top of the points table, with five victories in seven games.
Buttler was well assisted by Devdutt Padikkal, who struck a half-century of his own (54 off 35) en route to a record 155-run opening partnership before a brisk cameo from Sanju Samson (unbeaten 46 off 19) took the Royals well beyond 200. Even as the Capitals did not find that big a contribution from any of their batters, each one in Prithvi Shaw (37 off 27), David Warner (28 off 14), Rishabh Pant (44 off 24) and Lalit Yadav (37 off 24) did enough to keep their team in the hunt.
Despite regular fall of wickets and a maiden penultimate over bowled by Prasidh Krishna, three consecutive sixes smashed by Rovman Powell in the final over, bowled by Obed McCoy, with 36 needed meant the game that was now Royals’ to lose still seemed alive. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the proceedings were halted briefly after an unhappy Capitals intervened, demanding a no-ball for height to no avail. McCoy redeemed himself eventually, conceding only two runs in the next three deliveries, including the wicket of dangerman Powell (36 off 15) to seal the deal.
Top performers of the match
Jos Buttler
Buttler continued his stellar run of form in the league, belting a second century on the trot, and third this season, to move many a mile ahead in the Orange Cap list. Making batting look like the easiest job, Buttler forced DC bowlers into submission, smashing nine sixes and as many fours in his scintillating knock.
Prasidh Krishna
While he has been guilty of leaking runs in the league, Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell, nipping three wickets while conceding just 22 runs in a spell that included a wicket-maiden penultimate over when DC were still in the hunt. His over, however, eventually proved to be the last nail in the coffin.
What next for the two teams?
Rajasthan Royals will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 26 at Pune’s MCA Stadium while the Delhi Capitals will run into Kolkata Knight Riders on April 28 at the Wankhede Stadium.
