Despite some sloppy cricket in middle-overs, Delhi pulled off a stunning victory over Rajasthan. In last 5 overs, Rajasthan required just 39 runs but impressive bowling from Delhi delivered a heartbreak for them.
Toss: Delhi opted to bat first
Team Changes: Tushar Deshpande comes in (Delhi)
Rajasthan was unchanged
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Detailed Match Report
Jofra Archer made a good start by picking Prithvi Shaw on the first ball of the match and in his next over, he got Rahane. Dhawan continued his top run and this time, he batted with an aggressive approach. He added steady 85 runs for the 3rd wicket. Iyer and Dhawan both scored half-centuries. In flag-overs, Rajasthan controlled the game and Delhi couldn’t get the fire from Stoinis and Carey. In last 4 overs, Delhi scored just 29 runs and they finished on 161/7. Archer got a 3-wickets haul and Unadkat grabbed two in his final over.
Rajasthan started with a bang with 37 runs in first 3-overs but lost Buttler after quick 22 off just 9 balls. Ashwin gave another blow by picking Smith on just 1. Samson was quite confident tonight and added vital runs with Stokes. The debutant Tushar gave the big breakthrough with removing Stokes after scoring 41. The game was slipping from Delhi and Axar Patel got Samson out. He also sent Riyan Parag to pavilion with a direct hit on a bad call from Uthappa. In 15th over, Nortje dropped Tewatia's catch but he bowled Uthappa in 18th over to open the game for Delhi. Rajasthan failed to hold the nerve in the end and lost the game despite late efforts.
Star-performer of the match
Jofra Archer is our star performer of the match, despite Rajasthan's loss. With the new ball, Archer was exceptionally great. He got Shaw on the first ball and later, removed Rahane. In his 2nd spell at death, he got Stoinis out and also picked two catches in the field.
Top 5 players who made an impact in the game
Jofra Archer 4-0-19-2
Shikhar Dhawan 57 (33)
Shreyas Iyer 43 (43)
Ben Stokes 41 (35)
Nortje 4-0-33-2
