IPL 2021, DC vs RR: Mustafizur Rahman stars as Royals restrict Capitals to 154

Rajasthan Royals (RR) left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman made his presence felt for the franchise in the 36th match of the ongoing 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Delhi Capitals (DC). Rahman accounted for the key dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer while conceding just 22 runs to help restrict DC to a score of 154 for the loss of six wickets. The pacer enjoyed valuable support from Chetan Sakariya who chipped in with two dismissals as well while leaking 33 runs. Karthik Tyagi and Rahul Tewatia accounted for a wicket apiece.

“It was almost 38 or 39 degrees. It’s an open stadium, so I was feeling very warm. We realized that this was a slow wicket, so we decided against giving them pace and that’s why we succeeded. I think the pressure will be on them defending this total. Samson is very clear minded, he has his plans and he works according to them,” said Sakariya as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Shreyas Iyer was the top run-getter for the Capitals, accumulating 43 runs off 32 deliveries. Iyer’s knock comprised of a boundary and two sixes. Hetmyer provided some late momentum down the order, smashing 28 runs in 16 balls with five fours to his credit.

DC have defended a total of 154 or lesser than that only twice in a full 20-over match in the IPL. Both instances were recorded in clashes against RR, which will certainly boost the morale of the bowling department.

RR bowlers back Sanju Samson’s decision to field

RR captain Sanju Samson earlier opted to field after winning the toss. The Royals have gone with two major changes to the lineup for the encounter. Tabraiz Shamsi and David Miller have been included in place of Evin Lewis and Chris Morris, marking an interesting development. DC skipper Rishabh Pant has gone with a largely unchanged lineup. However, even the Delhi-based franchise have been forced to take a major decision with Lalit Yadav replacing all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. There are question marks over the fitness of the Australian cricketer, which may have influenced the decision making.

“Have all settled down and moved on to this game”

Samson termed his decision to field as being influenced by the ease in batting second, in case of a day game.

“We will bowl first. It’s a day game, it becomes easier to bat second. We have all settled down and moved on to this game, it was a complete team effort by everyone. Evin Lewis and Chris Morris miss out; Tabriez Shamsi and David Miller are in. They have a balanced side, we are looking forward to an exciting game,” said the RR skipper as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Pant admitted that even he would have looked to field, but refused to ponder too deeply over losing the toss.

“We were looking to bowl first as well, but it doesn’t matter. There will be a bit on the wicket in the day game. One change for us, Lalit Yadav replaces Marcus Stoinis. It’s good to be nearing a record, but we’re not looking at individual performances, not thinking too much about qualifying,” stated the DC skipper.