Dream 11 IPL 2020 
23rd Match: Delhi Capital Vs Rajasthan Royals 
Played at Sarjah on 9 October, 2020
Brief Scorecard:
Delhi Capital (DC) 184/8 (SD Hetmeyer 45, Stoinis 39, JC Archer 3/24) Beat Rajasthan Royal 138 All Out (R Tewatia 38, YBK Jalswal 34, SPD Smith 24, K. Rabada 3/38, R Ashwin2/22, M Stoinis 2/22) by 46 Runs.
Player of The Match: Ravi Ashwin 

Smart boys of Delhi Capitals winning big by 46 runs against Rajasthan Royals assured their place in the top four as the first team in IPL 2020. Batting first on a wicket not very conducive for stroke play they kept on losing their wickets at regular intervals till Caribbean youngster Hetmeyer (45) and Shining Aussie Stoinis (39) fired at crunch time taking the score to 184/8. Then bowling as a team and fielding superbly DC crashed RR to 138 all out. A big win by 46 runs placed at the top of points table with 10 points from 6 matches. RR can only play for pride their last pool match.  

The Delhi Capitals (earlier Daredevils) have been among the least successful teams in the IPL, never once making it to the final. They reached the semi-finals in the first two seasons and then featured in the playoffs in 2012 and 2019. The franchise was originally wholly owned by the GMR Group, which sold a 50% stake to JSW Sports in 2018. This year they looked well organised from the very outset with a perfect blend of experienced professionals and brilliant young players. They may not have roped in too many international impact players but enough horses for the courses that delivered when mattered. 

The wicket was not easy. Staying at the wicket and scoring quickly was extremely difficult. Bowling first RR kept on taking wickets at regular intervals. Dhawan, Shaw, Iyer, Pant and Stoinis were all gone with score at 5/109 by the 14th over. Only Hetmeyer had to deal with the late middle order and the tail. It was expected that the score of 160 or there about would not be enough. A little cameo of Hetmeyer blasting 45 in 24 deliveries striking 1 four and 5 sixes soared the ultimate score to 184/8. This is the beauty of DC this year that not on one, two or few batsmen several players put up their hands when needed. 

Chasing that score on progressively slowing down wicket was not at all easy. Buttler and Smith were the keys. Ashwin removed Buttler early. Smith could not harm much. The entire bowling unit led by K Rabada (3/35) bowled with passion. The bowling of DC was summed up by R Ashwin (2/22), the player of the match as,

"One of the important things about this attack is that most of the bowlers can bowl at any time. I know my role comes up when the game is nicely poised. An over where a wicket is needed or the pressure is up. You have to be brave at that time and put your hand up. Today the ball was soaking well, and the sweat didn't help much."

RR could not sustain the relentless penetrative DC bowling attack and succumbed to 138 all out. DC won by 46 runs. With 10 points from 6 matches they are now at the top of points table. RR has been shown the exit door from IPL 2020. 

BDST: 1159 HRS, OCT 10, 2020
SMS