Match 34 - Points Table - sportstiger

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Rajasthan Royals defeated the Delhi Capitals in a thrilling encounter by 15 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. RR’s Jos Butler smashed his third century of the tournament as the 2008 champions scored a massive 222 runs in the first innings. Delhi tried to match Rajasthan’s fiery batting as their opening pair of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw started smashing big runs. 

But as no batter could get set and continue for a longer time, the Capitals needed 36 from the last over. Rovman Powell continued fighting as he smashed three sixes in the first three balls of the 20th over. But couldn’t continue the barrage as Delhi fell short by 15 runs.

Changes in the points table

After the 34th match of the ongoing IPL edition, Rajasthan Royals are on the top of the table with ten points from seven games. They also have a net run rate of +0.432. Whereas the Delhi Capitals are sixth on the table with six points from seven games with a net run rate of +0.715.

Today’s matchup

In Saturday’s doubleheader, the Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns for the first time in IPL history. Whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a 2016 IPL final rematch in the second game of the day. Both teams are on a great run of form as they enter this fixture after winning their previous matches.

What did the captains?

Losing captain Rishabh Pant was disappointed with the defeat after falling short by 15 runs. He said, “I think they were bowling well throughout the game but in the end, Powell gave us a chance, I thought that no-ball could have been precious for us but it is not in my control. Yes, disappointed but can't do much about it. Everyone was frustrated (in the dugout) that it was not even close, everyone in the ground saw that, I think the third umpire should have interfered and said it was a no-ball.”

“Obviously it wasn't right (sending Amre onto the field) but what happened with us is also not right, it happened in the heat of the moment. It was the fault from both sides and it is disappointing as we have seen some good umpiring in the tournament. It is disappointing to go so close especially when the other team has scored 200+. I think we could have bowled much better. I can tell the guys to keep their chin up and prepare for the next one”, he concluded.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson praised his team for another convincing victory. He said, “It was a full-toss and the batsman wanted a no-ball, but the umpire didn't give it. We wanted to be around him (McCoy) and wanted to put a smile on his face. Not easy for a bowler after conceding three sixes. We wanted to change the plan so we took our time, to give the bowler a breather. The last game was a tough one, and this game too, with Powell hitting those sixes. It's important to stay calm and trust your teammates. You need to back yourself. Can't say anything about the toss. Losing toss is working, so we'll like to stick to that.”

“Don't think there was much dew, but the bowlers are experienced enough to bowl in these conditions. Ashwin and Chahal have been bowling well, touch wood we continue to do it. It is normal to drop catches, even I dropped one in the last match. I told the players how to recover from that in the team meeting. He (Buttler) has been playing well, and that's a crucial part in this format. DDP is a smart cricketer and there's a lot more to come from him”, Samson concluded.