Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs to keep playoff hopes alive

Delhi Capitals celebrating after defeating Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs.
Delhi Capitals celebrating after defeating Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs.

NEW DELHI, May 7: Delhi Capitals returned to winning ways with a handsome 20-run victory over Rajasthan Royals as they kept their slim IPL playoff hopes alive here on Tuesday.

Tristan Stubbs smashed a quickfire 41 from 20 balls to lift Delhi Capitals to 221/8 after Rajasthan Royals opted to field.

In reply, Rajasthan Royals were restricted to 201 for 8 with Kuldeep Yadav being the pick of the bowler for Delhi, returning with 2/25. Khaleel Ahmed (2/47) and Mukesh Kumar (2/30) also picked up two wickets apiece.

Delhi now joined Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants with 12 points each in a mid-table scramble for the playoffs.

Skipper Sanju Samson led Rajasthan’s chase with his fifth half-century of the season.

But his splendid knock of 86 off 46 balls (8×4, 6×6) came to an end after Shai Hope took a controversial catch at the edge of long-on boundary.

Thereafter, Kuldeep gave a twin blow in his final over to virtually end Rajasthan’s hopes.

Earlier, Jake Fraser-McGurk (50 off 20 balls) and Abhishek Porel (65; 36 balls) duo put together 60 runs in just 26 balls before India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (3/24) triggered a collapse.

Brief Scores:

Delhi Capitals: 221 for 8 in 20 overs (Jake Fraser-McGurk 50, Abhishek Porel 65; Ravichandran Aswhin 3/24).

Rajasthan Royals: 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 86; Kuldeep Yadav 2/25, Khaleel Ahmed 2/47, Mukesh Kumar 2/30). (PTI)