Rahul, Jaiswal shine as Delhi and Rajasthan cruise to IPL victories

TDT | Chandigarh

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Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal led from the front as Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals registered dominant wins in Saturday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) double-header.

Rahul, returning to the top of the order, struck a composed 77 off 51 balls to guide Delhi to a 25-run victory over Chennai Super Kings. The win marked Delhi’s third consecutive victory this season. Batting first at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Delhi posted 183-6, with Rahul anchoring key partnerships with Abishek Porel (33), Axar Patel (21), and Tristan Stubbs (24*).

Chennai, in reply, could manage only 158-5, with Vijay Shankar’s unbeaten 69 being the lone highlight. Veteran MS Dhoni’s 30 off 26 failed to inspire a comeback as Chennai suffered their third straight loss. Rahul was named player of the match and said he was glad to be back at the top of the order.

In the day’s second game at Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals handed Punjab Kings their first loss of the season with a convincing 50-run win. Jaiswal smashed 67 off 45 balls, forging an 89-run stand with returning skipper Sanju Samson (38). Riyan Parag added an unbeaten 43 as Rajasthan posted 205-4 — their first 200-plus score at the venue.

England pacer Jofra Archer starred with the ball, taking 3-25 including two wickets in his opening over. Sandeep Sharma supported well with two wickets of his own as Punjab were restricted to 155-9 despite Nehal Wadhera’s 62.

Samson praised Archer and Sandeep as a “deadly combo” and said he was pleased with the team’s balance. Rajasthan and Delhi both now look strong contenders as the IPL season gathers pace.