Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals 56th T20 Match – Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase. The umpires are on the field. The fielders from Delhi have taken their respective positions as well. Rajasthan have brought in Jos Buttler as their impact player and he will open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yuzvendra Chahal has been substituted out. Khaleel Ahmed has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's go…

… THE RUN CHASE …

Right then, that was it from an exciting first innings. We saw some explosive batting at the top from Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel where it looked like Delhi would be crossing the 250-run mark. However, Ravichandran Ashwin turned out to be the star for Rajasthan and put a halt to the runs with his three wickets. The game again had a twist for us in the form of Tristan Stubbs who made sure that Delhi crossed the 200-run mark and the cameos of Rasikh Dar and Kuldeep Yadav pushed the score to 221. The spotlight now falls upon the batters from Rajasthan who will have a lot of work to do. Take a short break but join us back for the run chase.

Ravichandran Ashwin is in for a chat. He says that sometimes you have nights like these where you a wicket off a full toss in the first over and sometimes you don't. Adds that he is not complaining as at times, he bowled better deliveries but did not get wickets. Shares that he has been working on a few things and trying different releases and angles. Feels that 220 is about par but they need to bat well. Reckons that the Powerplay and overs from Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be crucial.

Rajasthan had no answer for the shots that the opening batters played. After getting hit for many boundaries in the first 4 overs, they turned to the veteran Ravichandran Ashwin who rewarded them with the wicket of Jake Fraser-McGurk. After that, Sandeep Sharma sent Hope walking back to the dugout courtesy of his quick reflexes. Ashwin again worked his magic to get rid of Axar Patel and Porel with his spin partner, Yuzvendra Chahal sending Pant back to the dugout. At that moment, they started creeping back in the game and created pressure on the new batters. The bowlers seemed to be behind the eight-ball mark in the initial phases of the game but the spinners took up the responsibility and bowled tightly. Chahal became the first Indian bowler to get 350 T20 wickets and Ashwin ended his spell with three big wickets to his name. The bowlers were again hit for boundaries in the slog overs. Trent Boult got one in the 19th over but the runs didn’t stop coming for the opponents. Sandeep Sharma got the big wicket of Stubbs who had dealt a lot of damage to them.

As expected, it turned out to be a good batting track and after being asked to bat first, Delhi made full use of their Powerplay. They had a dream start to their innings with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel unleashing an array of shots on the bowlers for the first 5 overs. JFM was the aggressor and smashed a 19-ball fifty again this season. After his dismissal, it was Shai Hope who didn’t have luck in his favor as he was caught short of his crease. Porel and Rishabh Pant too put up a fine stand until both of them were dismissed against spin in a matter of one over. Then, the boundaries stopped coming for them and the bowlers created some pressure. Tristan Stubbs helped his team with some quick runs towards the end of the innings and gave the fans a lot to cheer for before being dismissed in the final over of the innings. They end up with 221 on the board and it is the lowest score on this venue while batting first this season. Their bowlers will have to plan well and take timely wickets to turn the match in their favour.

The heroics of Tristan Stubbs, Rasikh Dar, and Kuldeep Yadav towards the end of the innings made sure that Delhi ended their innings at 221. It is a bit short of what they would have expected but a lot better than the target they were looking at a couple of quiet overs after the Strategic Break.

Sandeep Sharma to Rasikh Dar, RUN OUT! They had to go for the second run and it is a run out to end the innings! Slower and into the wicket, on off, Rasikh Dar does not the time pull shot well and it goes to the right of deep mid-wicket. With it being the last ball, Rasikh Dar returns for the second but Riyan Parag is quick to release the throw toward the batting end. Sanju Samson collects and does the rest to catch Rasikh way short. Delhi end with 221 on the board!

Sandeep Sharma to Kuldeep Yadav, Just short! Lands it on a fullish length, outside off, Kuldeep Yadav goes for the reverse paddle but plays it from the back of his bat. It comes off the cue-end of the bat and it drops just short of the diving Yuzvendra Chahal at short third. The ball rolls behind off as it through the hands of Chahal for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Kuldeep Yadav, FOUR! How did Kuldeep Yadav get that away? A valiant effort though from Donovan Ferreira. Sandeep rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a length, outside off, Kuldeep Yadav walks across to the off side and swats it aerially towards deep backward square leg. Donovan Ferreira runs to his left and stretches his left hand but fails to cut it off.

Kuldeep Yadav is the new batter in.

Sandeep Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Sandeep Sharma gets the yorker right and gets his man! End of an onslaught from Stubbs. Sandeep serves a searing yorker, right at the base of the off stump, Tristan Stubbs stays deep in his crease and shapes up to flick it away off his toes. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and traps Stubbs right in front of the stumps. No bat is involved and it is three reds on Ball Tracking with the ball crashing into the middle and off stump.

Sandeep Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Hit flat and hit for half a dozen! Sandeep drags his length back and bowls it outside off, Tristan Stubbs picks the length early and picks the bones out of that. Flat bats it down the ground and gets it over the long off fence for six more.

Sandeep Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Carved away and Tristan Stubbs made that look easy! Sandeep Sharma goes searching for the yorker, outside off but ends up serving a low full toss, Tristan Stubbs shuffles across and takes it from a low height. Hits it over wide long off for a maximum.

Sandeep Sharma has been handed the ball to bowl the final over of the innings.

Trent Boult to Rasikh Dar, FOUR! Same shot, same result! Instant impact from the Impact Player, back-to-back boundaries! Trent Boult bowls a bumper at pace, on off, Rasikh Dar shuffles across his stumps and goes for the scoop again. Fetches it from over his head and glides it over the keeper for four crucial runs.

Trent Boult to Rasikh Dar, FOUR! Rasikh Dar is up and running! This is on a length, just outside off, Rasikh Dar walks across his stumps and employs the scoop. Executes it well and gets between the keeper and short fine leg for a boundary.

Delhi bring in their impact player as Rasikh Dar walks out to bat now replacing Abishek Porel.

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! TAKEN! Slower and wider does the trick for Trent Boult! Stays over the wicket and angles it away from the batter with no real pace behind it and it is outside off, on a good length, Gulbadin Naib is made to reach out as he looks to thrash it through the off side. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies straight to Ravichandran Ashwin at short third who reverse cups it near his face.

Trent Boult to Tristan Stubbs, Boult goes full and straight, at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs fails to clip it away. Gets an inside edge that goes back onto his pads and rolls away on the leg side for one.

Trent Boult to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Short and punished! Boult takes pace off and tries to dig it in short, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets this one at a good height, rides the bounce well and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, On a fullish length, on off, Gulbadin Naib gets his bat out in front and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! BOOM! Belted away! 21 runs off the over and this has come just at the right time for Delhi. It is quicker from Chahal but a bit too full, outside off, Tristan Stubbs reaches out in front and gets underneath it nicely. Nails the sweep shot over deep square leg for half a dozen.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Tristan Stubbs drags the pull wide of long on for a couple of runs more. 15 runs off the over so far.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Two in two! Stubbs has out thought the bowler on both occasions. Chahal loops it up, on a fullish length, near the tramline on off, Tristan Stubbs moves across to the off side nice and early and sweeps it wide of square leg for four more runs.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Tristan Stubbs gets funky and gets the reward! Fuller and quicker, on middle, Tristan Stubbs is aware that there is no deep on the off side square of the wicket. Pulls out the reverse sweep and hits it over cover-point for a boundary.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Gulbadin Naib, Slower through the air and it is fuller as well, on off Gulbadin Naib drills it on the bounce to long off for one.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! In the gap! Flat by Chahal, on a nagging length, on off, Gulbadin Naib drags the hit and he is able to generate power behind it. Hits it to the right of long on for a much-needed boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Gulbadin Naib, Superb stuff from Sandeep Sharma. Just 4 runs off the over. Goes full and at pace, at the batter, Gulbadin Naib clears his front leg and swipes it through square leg for just a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Gulbadin Naib, Another beautifully disguised slower bouncer. This is around off and middle, Gulbadin Naib waits and waits for the ball to come to him but gets undone by the lack of pace and fails to connect the pull shot.

Sandeep Sharma to Gulbadin Naib, Does not offer any pace and bangs it into the wicket, outside off, Gulbadin Naib lets it go for a wide on height but the umpire deems it a fair delivery.

Sandeep Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, Sees the batter back away and tucks him up for room as he follows him with a full delivery, Tristan Stubbs clips it through mid-wicket. Three singles so far.

Sandeep Sharma to Gulbadin Naib, Slower and on middle, on a good length, Gulbadin Naib waits and punches it with a straight bat to long on for a run.

Sandeep Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, Digs it into the wicket, slower as well, Tristan Stubbs hops back and drags the pull to wide long on for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and around middle, Tristan Stubbs works it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one more run. After a six off the first ball, Delhi fail to convert it into a big over as only two runs came off the next five balls.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Much straighter this time, around middle, Tristan Stubbs goes back in his crease and punches it well but can't get it past cover. Three dots on the trot.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Drops it short and on off, Tristan Stubbs punches it straight to cover.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Pushes it through, on a nagging length, Tristan Stubbs misses the flick and gets pinged on the front pad.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Gulbadin Naib, Drops it short and on leg, Gulbadin Naib goes on the back foot and nudges it through square leg for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! Gulbadin Naib with the first six of his Indian T20 League career! Tosses it up but errs in length does Chahal as it is too full, on middle, Gulbadin Naib plants his foot forward and tonks it over long on for a maximum.

Strategic break! Abishek Porel and Rishabh Pant have fallen in quick succession, leaving two relatively new batters, Gulbadin Naib and Tristan Stubbs, to provide the finishing kick for Delhi. Given the start they had, the hosts will be disappointed if they do not get to 220. Rajasthan have pulled things back nicely through their spin duo, but with Ashwin done for the night, Chahal's remaining two overs will be crucial if his side has to finish well with the ball.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Gulbadin Naib, Thats tight bowling. Goes full and on middle. Gulbadin Naib flicks it to mid-wicket and ends the over with one run. The boundaries seemed to have dried up for Delhi.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Gulbadin Naib, Quicker and full on middle. Gulbadin Naib covers the line and blocks it out watchfully.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Tristan Stubbs, Tossed up on middle. Tristan Stubbs drives it to long off for an easy one run.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Gulbadin Naib, Flatter now aimed at off. Gulbadin Naib punches it towards long off and jogs to take a single.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Tristan Stubbs, Pitched up around middle. Tristan Stubbs leans in and drives it to mid on to rotate the strike.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Gulbadin Naib, Ashwin bowls this a bit short and keeps it on the pads. Gulbadin Naib nudges it towards mid-wicket and runs a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Gulbadin Naib, Flatter and quicker outside off. Gulbadin Naib tries to play it through the off side but gets the inside edge. The ball rolls off to short fine leg and the batters cross for one. Another fantastic over for Rajasthan.

Gulbadin Naib, on debut, comes out to the middle.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Rishabh Pant, OUT! TAKEN! THAT IS THE 350th WICKET FOR CHAHAL IN T20s! He becomes the first Indian to achieve this milestone. Bowls it full and on off. Rishabh Pant goes for the scoop shot but gets the connection very low on the bat. The ball flies off towards Trent Boult at deep backward square leg who makes no mistake in taking the catch. The skipper departs and Chahal gets his first wicket of the night.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Flighted full outside off. Tristan Stubbs sends it past point for yet another single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Rishabh Pant, A bit short and aimed on the pads. Rishabh Pant uses his wrist to send it towards mid-wicket. The batters run the first one quickly but couldn't get back for the second one.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Tristan Stubbs, Pitched up, again outside off. Tristan Stubbs drives it to cover and runs one more.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Rishabh Pant, Quicker and full outside off. Rishabh Pant flicks it to long on and gets a single to begin the over.

Yuzvendra Chahal (1-0-14-0) comes back into the attack.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Rishabh Pant, Slower and fuller on the pads. Rishabh Pant clips it towards square leg and ends a very good over with a single. Ravichandran Ashwin has been troublesome for the batters in this match.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Tristan Stubbs, A bit short and around off. Tristan Stubbs punches it to cover and gets off the mark with a single.

Tristan Stubbs makes his way out to the centre.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, OUT! TAKEN! ANOTHER ONE FOR ASHWIN! He gives it some air and bowls it full. Abishek Porel creates some room but the ball turns away from him. He gets the connection off the toe end of his bat and chips the ball up towards point. Sandeep Sharma settles under it and brings an end to a fine knock by Porel.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Rishabh Pant, Full and around off. Rishabh Pant punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get to the other end.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, sliding into the left-hander. Rishabh Pant again tries to scoop it over short fine leg but gets hit on the pads. There was an appeal but the umpire stayed unmoved.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, A bit short and angled into the batter. Abishek Porel opens up the face of his bat and guides it to short third. The batters run one.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Beaten! Trent Boult serves it on a length, outside the line of off. Rishabh Pant swings his blade hard but the ball zips past the outer edge to be collected by the keeper.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, SIX! INNOVATIVE! Trent Boult bangs it short and keeps it over middle. Rishabh Pant moves towards off and pulls it very late. The ball flies off over the fine leg fence for his first maximum in this game.

Trent Boult to Abishek Porel, Slightly fuller and around off. Abishek Porel drives it to deep cover for a single to rotate the strike.

Trent Boult to Abishek Porel, FOUR! IN THE GAP! Trent Boult bowls a slow bouncer over off. Abishek Porel pulls it but gets the timing wrong. The ball was in the gap away from deep mid-wicket and it rolls off to the fence for four more runs.

Trent Boult to Rishabh Pant, Trent Boult serves it on a length and outside off. Rishabh Pant moves towards it and uses his wrists to flick it towards deep mid-wicket. He doesn't find the gap but runs a single.

Trent Boult to Abishek Porel, A bit slow and short over off. Abishek Porel has to wait for it before pulling it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Avesh Khan to Abishek Porel, Drags his length back a bit, keeping it over off. Abishek Porel punches it to long on and ends the over with a single. Another fruitful over for Delhi.

Avesh Khan to Abishek Porel, FOUR! PUNISHED! Avesh Khan bowls a juicy full toss on off. Abishek Porel drills it past the fielder at covers. The one in the deep fails to reach it before the ball touches the cushions for four more runs.

Avesh Khan to Rishabh Pant, On a good length and around off. Rishabh Pant punches it to mid off and runs one more.

Avesh Khan to Abishek Porel, Too full and outside the off pole. Abishek Porel slices it to deep point and runs a single.

Avesh Khan to Abishek Porel, SIX! PULLED AWAY! FIFTY FOR POREL! Avesh Khan drops it short and keeps it around off. Abishek Porel pulls well and sends it flying over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum. That was pleasing to the eye as well.

Avesh Khan to Rishabh Pant, On the hard length and on leg. Rishabh Pant flicks it off his back foot to square leg to run one.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, Serves it full now and on off, Abishek Porel transfers his weight on the front foot and smacks it towards wide long off. Riyan Parag runs around to his right and mops it up. Two runs taken.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Rishabh Pant, Gets away with it does Ashwin! A rare loosener as this is short and slower, down leg, Rishabh Pant is unable to take full toll of it. Gets inside the line but hits it straight towards deep backward square leg. Trent Boult does well to adjust to the spin and keeps it down to one.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, Skidding through, short and on middle, Abishek Porel goes back in his crease and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more run.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Rishabh Pant, Dishes it out on a fullish length, on middle, Rishabh Pant jams it out to long on and gets off the mark with a single.

The skipper, Rishabh Pant walks out to bat now.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Axar Patel, OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel knew as soon as he hit it! He holes out and Ravichandran Ashwin has his second wicket of the night. Comes from around the wicket and gets the ball to slide in with the angle, fuller as well, on off, Axar Patel gets low to make the connection as he looks to clear the straight fence. Fails to get the elevation and hits it down the throat of long off where Riyan Parag runs a few steps to his right and takes a safe catch.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, Short and sliding on, middle, Abishek Porel turns it through mid-wicket for a run.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, SIX! BOOM! Clean strike! Axar ruins what was turning out to be another tidy over from Parag. A bit too full, on off and middle, Axar Patel is allowed to get underneath it and tonks it over long on for a biggie.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, Angling in, short and on middle, Abishek Porel whips it to deep square leg for another single.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, On a nagging length, on off, Axar Patel presses forward and pushes it to long off for a run.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, Drops it short and on off, Axar Patel punches well but picks out the man at cover.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, WIDE! Fires it in short but down leg, Axar Patel lets it go for a wide.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, Goes full and on off, driven down the ground to long off for a run.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, Short and on off, Axar Patel drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Easy pickings! Chahal sprays it down leg, full in length, Abishek Porel gets down and sweeps it well to the left of deep square leg. Trent Boult slides to keep the ball away from the fence but the replays show that the Kiwi had his legs in contact with the boundary cushions when he had the ball in hand.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Abishek Porel, Width on offer on off and it is fuller as well, Abishek Porel drills it off the front foot to the right of long off. Riyan Parag runs around and slides to keep it down to two. Can Chahal get out of the over well here?

Yuzvendra Chahal to Abishek Porel, Flat and short, angling away, on off, Abishek Porel cuts it late but can't get it past backward point where the fielder makes a good diving stop.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Axar Patel, Short and at the batter, Axar Patel nudges it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Abishek Porel, On a nagging length, on middle and leg, clipped through mid-wicket for a run by Abishek Porel.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Abishek Porel, SIX! Porel puts pressure on Chahal straight away! Starts off with a flighted delivery, full and on middle, Abishek Porel puts the dancing shoes on and whacks it to the right of deep mid-wicket. The ball hits the boundary cushions on the full for half a dozen.

Strategic break! The players get a breather and also some time to discuss strategies. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel again made sure that Delhi got a strong start to their innings but a couple of quick wickets have brought Rajasthan back into the game. Delhi will want to keep the runs coming and put pressure on the bowlers. Rajasthan might be itching for another few wickets in quick time. There are still 13 overs left in the innings so stay tuned for more excitement. Yuzvendra Chahal has been handed the ball now.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, Shorter and quicker, on midde, Abishek Porel pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a single. Good comeback by Parag after being hit for a boundary earlier in the over. Just 6 runs off Parag's first over.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, Sliding on with the angle, short and on leg, Abishek Porel gets on the back foot to turn it with the angle but the ball skids through and goes through his legs.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, Pushes it through, flat and short, on middle, Abishek Porel is a bit late on the shot as he chops it off the stumps towards backward point.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, First signs of some grip on this surface! Slower through the air and it is on a nagging length, on middle, Abishek Porel hangs back and looks to clip it away. Closes the bat face early and gets a soft leading edge towards backward point.

Riyan Parag to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Not in control but Abishek Porel still manages to find the fence. Loopy low full toss, sliding down leg, Abishek Porel goes for the sweep but gets a top edge that lands safely in the vacant deep backward square leg region for a boundary.

Riyan Parag to Axar Patel, Tosses it up and gets a hint of turn, full and on middle and leg, Axar Patel drives it down to wide long on for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Axar Patel, Takes pace off a bit and drags his length back, on off, Axar Patel dabs it in front of point and calls Abishek Porel through for a quick single.

Sandeep Sharma to Axar Patel, FOUR! Streaky! Slanting into the left-hander from around the wicket, on a length, Axar Patel swings to hit the through the line. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the leg stump and beats the dive of Sanju Samson for a boundary.

Sandeep Sharma to Axar Patel, Lands it around middle, on a length, Axar Patel pushes it back to the bowler.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, On a fullish length, on middle and leg, Abishek Porel uses his feet and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Hit with real authority! Angling in, on a short of a good length, on middle, Abishek Porel stays put and swipes it across the line. Hits it in the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Axar Patel is the new batter in.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, RUN OUT! How unfortunate for Shai Hope! One brings two for Rajasthan. Sandeep Sharma starts from around the wicket and takes pace off as he bowls it on a back of a length, on off and middle. Abishek Porel waits for the ball to arrive and punches it hard down the deck. Sandeep reacts quickly to his left and gets low to make the connection with the ball. The ball brushes his hands and deflects back onto the stumps at the bowling end. Shai Hope is backing up too far and he is caught well short of his crease.

Sandeep Sharma is back into the attack and he creates a chance on the very first ball. Abishek Porel drills the ball back towards Sharma and he just gets a hand to it. The ball deflects onto the stumps and unfortunately, Shai Hope is caught short of the crease.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, Pitched up, again around leg. Abishek Porel punches it to mid on and runs a single. A very good over for Rajasthan.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, Quicker and full on the pads. Abishek Porel is hit on the thigh pads and the ball dies down on the track.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, SIX! BANG! Ravichandran Ashwin drops it a bit short and around off. Abishek Porel swivels and sends it flying over the cow corner region straight into the stands for a biggie.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Shai Hope, Tossed up, turning in onto off. Shai Hope covers the line and flicks it to mid-wicket. He gets off the mark with a single.

Shai Hope is in at number 3.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Jake Fraser-McGurk, OUT! TAKEN! THAT IS A BIG WICKET! Ravichandran Ashwin draws first blood and with a full toss on the stumps. Jake Fraser-McGurk gets tempted by it and looks it clear the in-field on the off side. Gets it off the toe-end of the bat and he sends it flat towards Donovan Ferreira at covers. He doesn't make any errors and that is the end of a fiery innings by JFM.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Abishek Porel, A bit short and angled into leg. Abishek Porel clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single to start the over.

First look at spin as Ravichandran Ashwin comes on to bowl.

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, SIX! BASHED IT! FIFTY UP FOR JFM! Avesh Khan delivers a juicy full toss around the knees. Jake Fraser-McGurk sends it flying over the cow corner region and the ball lands in the stands. That is a 19-ball fifty for JFM and we have seen it before. 28 runs off Avesh's first over.

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! POWERFUL! Avesh Khan drops it short this time around off. Jake Fraser-McGurk creates some room and lofts it square of the wicket on the off side. The ball bounces inches before the ropes which earns him another four runs.

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, SIX! BEAUTY! Avesh Khan takes some pace off, delivers it on a length and over off. Jake Fraser-McGurk slaps it with power. The ball is hit well and soars over the long off ropes for the second maximum off his bat. This over is going to be a big one for Delhi and it is again Jake Fraser-McGurk who puts pressure on the bowlers.

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! MAGNIFICENT! Avesh Khan bowls it full and outside off. Jake Fraser-McGurk gets low and carves it over point. The timing is perfect and the ball bounces just before the ropes for three boundaries in a row,

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! ANOTHER ONE! Avesh Khan serves it on a good length and keeps it outside off. Jake Fraser-McGurk stands tall and finds the gap through covers. The ball is again going to the cushions for consecutive boundaries.

Avesh Khan to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! STREAKY! Quick and full on middle. Jake Fraser-McGurk tries to hit it down the ground, gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to the fine leg fence for four more runs.

Avesh Khan comes into the attack as the first change.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Hits the hard length now and keeps it around middle. Jake Fraser-McGurk gets an inside edge towards square leg and keeps the strike with a single. 15 runs off the over.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Takes some pace off now, goes short, and follows the batter down the leg side. Jake Fraser-McGurk is confused by the lack of pace and the ball hits the toe end of his bat. It dies down on the track.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! LOVELY! Trent Boult sticks to the short length, comes from 'round the wicket this time. Jake Fraser-McGurk slaps it from over his shoulders and the ball clears covers. It races off to the fence for four more runs for Delhi.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Bangs it short again, this time over middle. Jake Fraser-McGurk tries to reach for it but gets beaten by the bounce.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! MORE RUNS! Trent Boult drops it short now, outside off. Jake Fraser-McGurk slashes hard and gets some bat on it. The ball clears short third and from there it is another four runs for the youngster.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, SIX! BANG! Trent Boult goes slightly full and angles it towards leg. Jake Fraser-McGurk moves away and lofts it down the ground. The ball is hit well and it clears the ropes for the first maximum of the match.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, FOUR! MUCH BETTER! Sandeep Sharma serves this on a length, around the off pole. Abishek Porel stays back and punches it with impeccable timing. The ball beats the fielder at mid off and runs off to the cushions for four more runs to end the over.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, On the good length now, over off. Abishek Porel punches it to the fielder at mid off.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Uppish but safe! Sandeep Sharma bowls it full and on off. Abishek Porel just lofts it over the bowler's head and it is enough to take the ball bouncing away to the ropes for four runs.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, Sandeep Sharma drags his length back and keeps it around off. Abishek Porel dances down the track and drills it only to find the fielder at cover.

Sandeep Sharma to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Again full and a bit slow. Jake Fraser-McGurk reads the hint of outswing well and drives it down the ground. Rotates the strike with a single.

Sandeep Sharma to Abishek Porel, Fuller and outside off. Abishek Porel reaches for it and sends it towards cover for a single.

It will be Sandeep Sharma to operate from the other end. He is starting with a slip in place.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Serves it on the hard length and around middle. Jake Fraser-McGurk nudges it to mid-wicket but there is a fielder there to stop the single.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, FOUR! FANTASTIC! Trent Boult sticks to the same line and length from 'round the wicket. Jake Fraser-McGurk creates room this time and lofts it over mid off. The ball bounces a couple of times before crossing the fence and gets himself four runs.

A halt in play as the physio sprints out to attend to Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has taken a blow on the box and is down on his haunches. This has been a good start from Boult, bowling to a set plan of not allowing room to the young Aussie sensation. Fraser-McGurk is back on his feet and we are all good to go now.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, OUCH! Trent Boult is bowling a tight length here. Again on the good length, angling into the batter. Jake Fraser-McGurk misses his shot completely and gets hit on the box. He goes down in pain and we will have a slight halt as the team physio checks up on him.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, On the hard length again, angling in from 'round the wicket. Jake Fraser-McGurk tries to loft it down the ground, gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball rolls away behind square on the off side off his thigh pad.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Beaten! Trent Boult serves this on a length and outside off. Jake Fraser-McGurk swings his blade but gets beaten by the pace.

Trent Boult to Jake Fraser-McGurk, Starts off well. Hits the deck hard from 'round the wicket. Jake Fraser-McGurk clips it to deep mid-wicket and gets the score going with a brace.

The bell has been rung, and we are now moments away from the commencement of this high-stakes clash. Sanju Samson and the rest of the Rajasthan players make their way out to the middle. The crowd's roar gets louder as the two openers of Delhi stride out to the centre. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Abishek Porel and Jake Fraser-McGurk to open the innings for Delhi. Trent Boult will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Rajasthan. Off we go…

Rishabh Pant, the captain of Delhi says that the pitch shouldn't change much and adds that it looks like a batting wicket. Mentions that there have been injuries and health issues in the squad but also says that it comes with the game. Adds that there are two changes in the team with Ishant Sharma and Gulbadin Naib being included in place of Lizaad Williams and Rasikh Dar.

The captain of Rajasthan, Sanju Samson says that they will bowl first. Mentions that they are comfortable doing both but it looks like a good wicket to chase. Tells that winning helps and the environment has been good with the presence of some great characters in the team. Informs that Dhruv Jurel misses out due to a niggle as does Shimron Hetmyer. Adds that Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreira come into the side. Feels that they need to stay in the present and this is a crucial game against Delhi away from home.

Impact players for Rajasthan – Jos Buttler, Kuldeep Sen, Tanush Kotian, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kunal Singh Rathore.

Rajasthan (Playing XI) – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey (In for Dhruv Jurel), Rovman Powell, Donovan Ferreira (In for Shimron Hetmyer), Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact players for Delhi – Rasikh Dar, Kumar Kushagra, Pravin Dubey, Sumit Kumar, Lalit Yadav.

Delhi (Playing XI) – Abishek Porel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Gulbadin Naib (On debut) (In for Lizaad Williams), Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma (In for Rasikh Dar), Khaleel Ahmed.

TOSS – The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in the favour of Rajasthan. They have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT – Deep Dasgupta is near the deck. He starts by saying that this will be the fourth game to be played at this venue this season. States that the average first-inning score in Delhi has been 249, and 200 has been breached in 5 out of the 6 innings. Informs that the dimensions of the square boundaries are 59 metres and 67 metres with a 74-metre straight hit. Adds that the shortest pocket is 53 metres behind the wicket. Brian Lara joins him and says that there are more bare patches as compared to the previous games here, resulting in more cracks. Lara says it will be important for the bowlers to bowl on a good length and feels it will be another high-scoring game. Lara expects the captain winning the toss to bat first and bat the opponents out of the game. Deep reckons that it may not be as high-scoring as some of the previous games due to the lack of grass. He ends by saying that there has not been much dew since the last couple of nights.

Rajasthan, on the other hand, have made their mark this season. They have almost earned the 'Q' next to their name and remain at number 2 on the table. Their pacers are in scintillating form, with the best average and economy rates among all the teams. They have proven to be lethal to the batters with the new ball, taking wickets consistently and maintaining pressure on their opponents. Their spinners, too, have made their mark and have used their experience to benefit the team. The only chink in their armour is the underperforming middle order, consisting of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell. Dhruv Jurel too hasn't been consistent with the bat, which makes it difficult for the Men in Pink to rely on their numbers 5 to 8. Delhi has proven to be a batting paradise this season, with the average first-inning total being 249. This makes the role of the top-order batters from both teams incredibly crucial. The viewers might be in for a thrilling encounter to follow, and surely a lot of sparks will fly. Join us in a while for the toss and team news.

Delhi sit at number 6 on the table and haven't yet made it to the top 4, which is where they would like to finish the league stages. They are batting strongly now, especially with the addition of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has impressed a lot of people with his performance. His striking allows Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, and Axar Patel to provide a strong push down the order. Their bowlers will need to take up extra responsibility because they will be facing a strong opposition. They will be tested against the batting strength of Rajasthan. With a win, they have a chance to move up the table and improve their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

Hello and a very warm welcome, folks. The Indian T20 League is in full swing, and the whole nation is avidly following the league's progress. We are just a while away from match number 56, where Delhi take on Rajasthan in the capital city.

… MATCH DAY …

The spotlight shifts to the national capital for the 56th match of the 2024 Indian T20 League, where Delhi will clash with Rajasthan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As is tradition in this prestigious tournament, the competition for playoff berths intensifies with each passing edition, with Rajasthan on the verge of qualification while Delhi still have ground to cover to secure that coveted spot. The hosts enter this match fresh from a defeat against Kolkata, where their failure to post a competitive total and lapses in the field allowed their opponents to cruise to victory. As they strive to rebound in front of their home crowd, the onus will primarily be on players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tristan Stubbs, and captain Rishabh Pant. Australian left-hander David Warner has been sidelined for the last three games due to a finger injury, but his possible return promises a significant boost to their batting unit. The spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav has been instrumental for Delhi and will face a tough challenge against Rajasthan's batting prowess. In the pace department, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Rasikh Dar have shown glimpses of their potential at different stages, but Lizaad Williams, in his debut season, is yet to hit his stride, compounded by the absence of Ishant Sharma, further challenging their bowling resources. On the contrary, Rajasthan has been one of the frontrunners in the tournament, alongside Kolkata, and could solidify their playoff berth with a victory in Delhi. However, they are coming off a surprising defeat against Hyderabad. Despite being well on track in their chase of 202 runs, the Men in Pink faltered after the dismissals of Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal, leaving the responsibility to other batters who could not finish the job. Riyan Parag has spearheaded Rajasthan's batting line-up, well supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson. Rajasthan's fans are eager for more from the overseas batting pair of Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer. Even though Sandeep Sharma has missed five out of ten games due to a niggle, he has made a significant impact since his return to the team. Contributions from Trent Boult and Avesh Khan have further strengthened Rajasthan's bowling attack. In the spin department, while Ravichandran Ashwin has underperformed in terms of wickets, Yuzvendra Chahal has been effective despite conceding runs. With both teams keen to shrug off the defeat in the previous outing, who are you backing to return to winning ways?