Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact on his return to the IPL, and Delhi Capitals used that performance to stay in the race for a top-four finish with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals. KL Rahul then anchored the chase as Delhi overhauled 225 with five balls remaining in a high-scoring contest.
Starc took three of Rajasthan’s key wickets in his first IPL appearance of the season, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 6, Ravindra Jadeja for 20, and captain Riyan Parag for 90. Rajasthan still posted a strong total, but Delhi found enough answers with both ball and bat to end the match on top.
Starc sets the tone with key strikes
Delhi needed early control after Rajasthan chose to bat first, and Starc provided it by breaking through at important moments. His wickets slowed Rajasthan’s momentum, even though the hosts managed to rebuild through the middle and late overs.
The innings also produced a rare setback for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was bowled by New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson on the second ball he faced. Rajasthan then pushed harder through Donovan Ferreira, whose late power-hitting changed the shape of the innings.
Ferreira struck six sixes in a quick 14-ball 47 not out, giving Rajasthan a strong finish and lifting them to 225-6. That total kept the pressure on Delhi, but the chase had already been made more manageable by a disciplined opening stand.
Rahul and Nissanka build the chase
Delhi’s reply started with a century partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Rahul, and that stand gave the visitors a clear platform. Nissanka made 62, while Rahul scored 75 before falling to England quick Jofra Archer, who finished with 1-46 from four overs.
The opening pair’s control allowed Delhi to keep up with the required rate despite the size of the target. Once Rahul departed, the chase still stayed on course because the foundation had already been laid.
Nitish Rana then added 33 off 17 balls to keep the scoreboard moving, and Tristan Stubbs along with Ashutosh Sharma completed the job. Delhi crossed the line with seven wickets in hand, a result that kept their slim top-four hopes alive and underlined the value of Starc’s early strikes.
