NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals showcased an explosive batting display as Rilee Rossouw (82 not out off 37 balls) played a blistering innings to register his maiden IPL fifty. The team posted an imposing total of 213 for two against Punjab Kings in their match on Wednesday.
Despite being out of the playoff race, Delhi Capitals started strongly with Prithvi Shaw returning to form after a month-long absence. Shaw smashed a quickfire 54 off 38 balls, his first half-century in 13 IPL innings.
Shaw, accompanied by captain David Warner, provided the best opening start of the season for Delhi Capitals with a 94-run partnership. Warner contributed a valuable 46 runs off 31 balls, setting the tone for the innings.
However, it was Rilee Rossouw who stole the show with his maiden fifty, which came off just 25 balls. He displayed his power-hitting skills by smashing his South African teammate Kagiso Rabada for a six over long-off, followed by a boundary and a superb pick-up six over deep square leg.
Rabada, despite his reputation, struggled against the onslaught and conceded 36 runs in his three overs. Sam Curran managed to take two wickets for Punjab Kings, but it was not enough to contain the scoring rate.
Delhi Capitals accelerated their innings from a cautious start of six runs in two overs to reach 61 without losing a wicket in the powerplay. Warner and Shaw took on the Punjab bowlers, with Warner hitting consecutive boundaries and two sixes off Rabada.
A dropped catch by Rahul Chahar, which gave Warner a lifeline, did not help Punjab Kings as Delhi Capitals cruised to a 200-plus total. The match was marked by a series of setbacks for Punjab Kings, with their bowlers struggling and missed opportunities in the field.
Overall, Delhi Capitals displayed their batting firepower, setting up a challenging target for Punjab Kings.
(With inputs from PTI)
