Journalism of Courage
Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Iyer hit stroke-filled half-centuries but Delhi Capitals lost momentum towards the end to be restricted to 161 for seven after opting to bat first. BCCI/IPL
Anrich Nortje (2/33) was breathtakingly fast bowling in the mid 150 kmph with toe-crushing yorkers while Kagiso Rabada's (1/28) international experience proved to be pure gold dust leaving rookie Tushar Deshpande (2/37) to defend 21 runs in his debut match. BCCI/IPL
England's Ben Stokes hit an attacking 41 but the knock went in vain as the Steve Smith-led Royals lost regular wickets and managed just 25 runs from their last five overs. BCCI/IPL
Nortje bowled England's Jos Buttler, for 22, and Robin Uthappa, for 32, as Royals faltered in their chase of 162 to manage just 148 for eight in Dubai. BCCI/IPL
The result was Rajasthan Royals finishing on 148 for 8 chasing Delhi Capitals' par score of 161 for 7 as Tewatia couldn't hit the troika of Rabada, Nortje and Deshpande at all. BCCI/IPL
Royals lost the plot in the last five overs partly due to selfish approach from senior player Robin Uthappa (32 off 27 balls), who needlessly ran-out a genuine match-winner Riyan Parag. (BCCI/IPL)
Rookie Tushar Deshpande (2/37) successfully defended 21 runs in his debut IPL game. BCCI/IPL
While skipper Shreyas Iyer's shoulder injury would keep Capitals on tenterhooks, 12 points from 8 games will keep them in good stead as they look to quickly clinch a play-off place. Rajasthan Royals with 6 points from 8 games stay in seventh place. BCCI/IPL
