Kamal Ghorui
A commanding batting display from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka overshadowed a spirited effort from Riyan Parag, as Delhi Capitals chased down 226 to beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in a high-scoring IPL clash on Friday. Parag had earlier lifted Rajasthan to a strong 225 for 6 with a 50-ball 90, silencing critics after a difficult run of form and recent off-field controversy. However, Delhi responded with authority, finishing at 226 for 3 to complete one of the biggest chases in IPL history. The Royals skipper was unable to contribute in the field for large parts of the second innings due to a hamstring niggle, with Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping in to lead on the field. Delhi’s chase got off to a flying start as Rahul and Nissanka stitched together a 102-run opening stand in just 9.3 overs. Rahul took a few deliveries to settle before showcasing his full range, striking a mix of elegant drives and powerful pulls, including consecutive sixes off Ravi Bishnoi. Nissanka matched him stroke for stroke, relying heavily on his pull shot to collect three sixes. Rahul reached his half-century in 27 balls, shortly after Nissanka brought up his own fifty before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a reverse sweep. Rahul then added 61 runs with Nitish Rana (33), keeping the chase firmly on track. However, both batters departed within a span of six balls, leaving Delhi needing 49 off 26 deliveries. The finishing job was handled calmly by Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs, who ensured there were no further hiccups as Delhi sealed the win. Earlier, Rajasthan had found themselves in early trouble at 12 for 2 after quick dismissals of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal. Parag, under immense pressure, initially looked uncertain but soon turned things around with a counterattacking approach. A decisive over against Kyle Jamieson, where he struck 6, 4, 6, proved to be the turning point. His confidence grew, and he began to dominate, bringing up his fifty in 32 balls and adding a crucial 102-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel (42). Parag’s strokeplay featured innovation and power, including a striking forehand-like six off T Natarajan. Even after Jurel’s dismissal, he continued to push the scoring, adding another useful stand with Jadeja. A brief slowdown followed, but Parag broke it with a flurry of boundaries, including a sharp uppercut off Jamieson. He eventually fell trying to accelerate further, with Mitchell Starc removing him. Late fireworks from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed 47 off just 14 balls, gave Rajasthan a strong finish. Despite Parag’s redemption story, it was Rahul and Nissanka’s brilliance that defined the night, lifting Delhi to sixth place with eight points, while Rajasthan remained fourth with 12.
