Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by eight brackets to stay alive in IPL 2022 playoffs race
A masterful bat and ball effort from Mitchell Marsh helped Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by eight catches in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.
Marsh bowled with discipline and herded his team for most of the chase as the Capitals took their sixth win in the competition.
After a lackluster performance three days ago, Capitals have improved in all aspects of the game. Marsh’s efforts with the ball were aided by other players and a much improved Kuldeep Yadav. While hitting the ball, Marsh found a possible ally in the Australian David Warner.
The capitals started their inning shaky after being targeted for 161, S. Bharat left without scoring in the first half, falling into the hands of probing Trent Boult. Marsh, 3rd hitter, started hitting 6es frequently to try to keep his team on the required running pace. He is particularly successful with lofts for full or long serves, and long shots for short serves. Kuldeep Sen and Yuzvendra Chahal shoulder their own pain.
Warner was tough but quiet on the other end, opening only towards the end of the round. Both fighters had a bit of luck.
With nine hooks in their pockets, Capitals decided after the 15th that it was time to step up. Ravichandran Ashwin and Boult were pulled repeatedly as 30 runs were done with two passes. Marsh leaves, before Rishabh Pant is finished.
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The Royal pitchers didn’t hit the mark, but their shots were no slouch. Devdutt Padikkal (48, 30b, 6×4, 2×6) and Ashwin (50, 38b, 4×4, 2×6) overcame some probing spells by the Capitals bowlers to help their team get total teamfights.
Ashwin built momentum with the bat early on, playing some lovely orthodox brushstrokes for the boundaries. He was also prepared to use his feet with the gyroscope.
Ashwin and Padikkal added 53 runs in six laps for the third wicket. Padikkal defeated him patiently before hitting Axar by two six points in the 13th round. He then attacked Shardul and Marsh. It took a brilliant catch from substitute Kamlesh Nagarkoti to send him out. Nagarkoti lunges forward in deep square after the batter has pulled Nortje.
