Starc stars as Delhi Capitals edge Rajasthan Royals in IPL Super Over thriller
Mitchell Starc delivered a vintage display under pressure to guide Delhi Capitals past Rajasthan Royals in the IPL’s first Super Over of the season, after the teams tied on 188 in regular play on Wednesday.
The Australian left-arm pacer, who had earlier defended nine runs in the final over to force the Super Over, held his nerve again as Rajasthan managed just 11 runs in their one-over shootout. Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag each struck a boundary but were both run out in a dramatic finish.
Chasing 12 to win, KL Rahul began with a two and a four before Tristan Stubbs sealed the deal with a six off the fourth ball from Sandeep Sharma, sparking celebrations at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Delhi skipper Axar Patel lauded Starc’s final-over brilliance. “He bowled almost 12 yorkers. That’s why he is such an Australian legend,” said Axar. “The field was changed but he kept at it.”
Starc, named Player of the Match, was praised by Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson. “He’s one of the best in the world. He won them the game in the 20th over.”
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana hit fifties for Rajasthan in their chase, while Samson retired hurt on 31 with rib pain. Dhruv Jurel’s late push took the match down to the wire, but he was run out attempting a second run off the final ball.
In Delhi’s innings, Abishek Porel top-scored with 49, supported by 34 each from Axar and Stubbs. The hosts exploded with 77 runs in the last five overs, building a total that ultimately proved just enough.
The win takes Delhi to the top of the IPL standings with five wins from six, while Rajasthan’s campaign continues to falter with a fifth loss in seven games.
(Source: AFP)
