IPL 2024 Highlights: The likes of Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) move up the points table after recording superb wins on Saturday, April 27. The two franchises were involved in thrilling finishes against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), respectively.
While the afternoon game between DC and MI was another 240+ run-fest, the evening encounter witnessed a great battle LSG and RR at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
The Capitals continued their impressive run of form as they have now scripted two consecutive wins. They completely thrashed the MI bowlers and posted up a gigantic score of 257/4. While Mumbai gave a scare on the back of Tilak Varma’s 63 but fell short by 10 runs.
Rajasthan, meanwhile, were seamless once again. They are on an undefeated four-match streak and are virtually qualified for the playoffs. Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel recorded the highest 4th wicket partnership for them, adding 121* runs in just 62 balls.
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JFM stuns MI with a blazing start
Fraser-McGurk’s batting at the top of the order was a game-changer for DC. The young player, at just 22 years old, surprised everyone with his breathtaking batting from the outset. He hit boundaries at will, leaving the MI bowlers clueless.
His knock was so quick that he reached his fifty in just 15 balls, putting DC in a dominant position from the very beginning. Thanks to his knock, DC was able to score a massive 92 runs in their powerplay overs, putting immense pressure on the MI team.
Captain Pandya for redemption
Despite the daunting task of chasing down a mammoth 258 runs, MI captain Hardik Pandya showed glimpses of his brilliance. Having faced a barrage of criticism throughout IPL 2024, Pandya looked determined to silence his doubters. He adopted an aggressive approach, smashing four boundaries and three towering sixes in his 24-ball knock of 46.
His exquisite timing and powerful strokeplay suggested he was back in sublime touch. However, MI’s hopes for a comeback were dashed when Pandya’s dismissal came in the 13th over. Although short-lived, Pandya’s knock served as a much-needed spark for himself and his team, offering a glimpse of his true potential.
Stumps shattered ft. Boult & Sandeep
RR got off to a dream start in their encounter against LSG. Electing to field first, their pace attack immediately put LSG on the back foot. The experienced Trent Boult, known for his knack of picking up early wickets, lived up to his reputation by dismissing Quinton de Kock in the very first over.
Boult’s lethal delivery rattled De Kock’s stumps, leaving LSG with a jolt. Sandeep Sharma, his partner in pace, complemented Boult brilliantly. He dismissed the dangerous Marcus Stoinis, the centurion from the previous match, with a beautiful inswinging delivery.
Match-winners for RR – Samson & Jurel
RR’ chase of 197 runs started positively, but they soon found themselves in a precarious situation. After a bright opening stand of 60 runs, they slumped, losing three quick wickets and falling to 78/3. The momentum seemed to be shifting towards Lucknow Super Giants as their bowlers tightened the screws.
However, a sensational partnership between skipper Sanju Samson and the young talent Dhruv Jurel brought Rajasthan back from the brink. The duo batted with both composure and aggression, stitching together an unbeaten 121-run stand in a mere 62 balls. Jurel played a crucial supporting role, scoring a brisk 52 runs off 34 deliveries. But it was Sanju Samson who stole the show with a captain’s knock. He played a blazing innings of 71 runs off just 33 balls, ensuring a thrilling victory for the Royals.
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