DC vs RR: DC jump to top spot on the table with convincing win over RR

A win for the Royals would’ve shaken up the table today, but their middle-order woes were laid bare again, while Delhi showed once more that they’re one of the stronger bowling sides in the tournament, if not the best. All bases covered, right from red-hot pace to some smart spin options.

The Delhi bowlers flexed their muscles here. Given just 154 to defend, and they’ve done it by a comprehensive margin. That six off the penultimate ball took Avesh over the threshold, but before that none of them were going at more than 7 an over. With the new ball, Avesh and Nortje ran in hard and got a couple of early wickets, before Ashwin took over, giving little away and inducing a brilliant stumping of Miller.

As a result, RR were already facing an uphill task when they slipped to 17/3 in the powerplay. They had a couple of partnerships from there, but they never got out of the stranglehold that Delhi’s bowlers had on them. By the time Samson found a greater gear – close to the 15th over – it was too late, and he had no support. The pitch wasn’t a belter, and the ball was holding slightly. But the Royals made it look a lot worse.

If not the best, it is one of the best – Rishabh Pant on DC’s bowling attack

Speaking in the post match presentation, DC skipper Rishabh Pant said,”[On his bowling attack] If not the best, it is one of the best. But we like to take it as one match at a time. There’s a fair bit of planning, as a team we plan according to the batters, and execute according to those plans.

Ashwin likes to set his own fields. I am happy with my form. As long as the team is winning, I am happy. [On playing with Shreyas] We have batted together for a long time. He bats 3 and I bat 5 normally. So that helps.”

Shreyas Iyer declared Man of the Match

Iyer was declared the man of the match for top scoring in his team.Talking about returning from the injury,Iyer said,”

“The last five months have been hectic, but now I am feeling amazing. I have a close-knit family and friends. They motivated me, and once rehab started, my power came back quicker than I thought. I love to take on the bowlers.”

Delhi Capitals haven’t yet made the playoffs, but no team has actually failed to qualify with 16 points before.