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MCA makes it mandatory for Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube to play in T20 Mumbai League


The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has made it ‘mandatory’ for all their Indian players to take part in their T20 Mumbai League. The MCA has also decided to make India’s ODI and Test captain – Rohit Sharma as their ‘Face of the League’.

The Indian Express understands that all current Indian players including Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur have been informed that if they are not picked for England tour, they have to play the league.

“All Mumbai’s Indian players have been informed that they have to play the T20 Mumbai League which will begin after the IPL. It’s mandatory, unless those, who have India commitment or injury issues they can skip,’ a MCA official informed.

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The MCA will be paying Rs 15 lakh each to all Indian players as appearance fees besides their auction money. “Indian players will be paid 15 lakh separately by the association as a participation fee plus they will earn separately from the auction fees. We are working on the base price and other details,” source added.

Around 2800 local cricketers have registered for the upcoming league and an auction for its league will be held in May. The association is planning to start its league just after IPL from May 26 to June 5.

“The response to Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League has been phenomenal. The fact that over 2800 players have registered speaks volumes about both the popularity of the league and the undying cricket passion of Mumbaikars. We are thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation and remain committed to nurturing the next generation of cricket stars,” MCA secretary Abhay Hadap said in a statement.

The MCA had added two more new teams for which they had called for bids last week and it will be an eight team affair. Season 3 in 2018 had featured six franchises North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs.



MS Dhoni Nicknamed This India Teammate ‘Maria Sharapova’. Reason Is Hilarious





Delhi Capitals pacer Mohit Sharma recently revealed the nickname which was given to him by Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni. The 36-year-old pacer began his IPL career in 2013 with CSK and went to play for the franchise for three years before parting ways in 2016. Mohit played 47 matches for CSK and scalped 57 wickets for them. During his stint with the five-time champions, he also made his India debut in the ODIs against Zimbabwe in 2013.

Mohit, who is currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL, recently opened up about his bonding with Dhoni and CSK. He revealed that because of his habit of grunting, MS Dhoni had nicknamed him Maria Sharapova.

Tennis legend Sharapova, who won five women’s singles Grand Slam titles between 2006 and 2014, was widely known for her loud grunts while playing.

Talking about the nickname, the pacer stated that while grunting is not in is control but it always leaves an impact on the batter.

“Mahi bhai nicknamed me Maria Sharapova. He used to say: ‘You grunt as loud as some of the tennis players.’ I’d say: ‘With the grunt, batsmen will feel the ball will come at 145-150kph even though the ball comes slower, so it is a plus point for me,'” Mohit told ESPNCricinfo.

Earlier, Mohit also stated that the return of saliva to shine the ball and the option of a ball change in the second innings have provided much-needed relief for bowlers in this year’s IPL.

Ahead of IPL 2025, the BCCI lifted the long-standing ban on the use of saliva, first imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also introduced the “second ball rule”, allowing teams to opt for a used ball after the 10th over in the second innings of evening games to combat the dew factor.

“Yes, it (ball change) is 100% helpful. We saw that in the last game. The ball started getting wet after 12 overs in the first innings and then there was heavy dew in the second innings when 13th or 14th over that Karn bowled and the ball spun,” Mohit had said.

“So, that hard ball definitely creates a slight difference. But with time, when it reaches 15th or 16th over, the condition of the ball becomes the same,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

What Is a Back-Foot No-Ball in Cricket? A Simple Explainer


Mitch Starc was stunned when a back-foot no-ball, not a front-foot one, cost him in Delhi’s Super Over win against Rajasthan. The rare rule came into play after a third umpire review. Here’s a quick dive into this uncommon cricket law.

1. What is a back-foot no-ball?

It happens when the bowler’s back foot lands on or outside the return crease during delivery.

For a legal ball, the back foot must land fully inside the return crease — not touching or crossing it.

2. How is it different from a front-foot no-ball?

Front foot: Some part must be behind the popping crease.

Back foot: Must land completely inside the return crease. Touching or going over = no-ball.

3. Why does this rule exist?

To stop bowlers from creating extreme angles that make umpiring difficult.

It ensures fair play and keeps delivery angles in check.

4. What happens if a back-foot no-ball is called?

Batting side gets 1 extra run.

Next ball is a free hit.

Batter can’t be dismissed — except by run out, obstructing the field, or handling the ball.

5. Who calls back-foot no-balls?

Mostly, the on-field umpire does.

In leagues like the IPL, the third umpire uses replays.

It’s harder to spot than front-foot no-balls.

6. Can the foot go outside the return crease in the air?

Yes — hovering is fine.

Only the point where the foot touches the ground matters.

If that contact is outside or on the crease = no-ball.

2025 में लॉन्च हुई Jeep Meridian क्लास, कंफर्ट और कैरेक्टर का परफेक्ट मेल


अगर आप एक ऐसी एसयूवी की तलाश में हैं जो स्टाइल, पावर और आराम तीनों का परफेक्ट बैलेंस हो, तो Jeep Meridian 2025 आपके लिए एक बेहतरीन विकल्प हो सकता है। यह कार ना सिर्फ अपने दमदार लुक्स से लोगों को आकर्षित करती है, बल्कि इसकी परफॉर्मेंस और फीचर्स भी इसे एक प्रीमियम और समझदारी भरा चुनाव बनाते हैं।

कम्फर्ट और लग्ज़री का अनुभव हर सफर में

जीप मेरिडियन का केबिन बेहद मॉडर्न और सॉफिस्टिकेटेड डिजाइन के साथ आता है। ब्राउन लेदर अपहोल्स्ट्री, वेंटिलेटेड फ्रंट सीट्स और एडवांस टेक्नोलॉजी से लैस डैशबोर्ड इस गाड़ी को असली लग्ज़री का एहसास कराता है।

Jeep Meridian

इसके अलावा 10.1-इंच का टचस्क्रीन, वायरलेस एंड्रॉयड ऑटो और एप्पल कारप्ले, 9 स्पीकर्स वाला अल्पाइन साउंड सिस्टम इसे तकनीकी रूप से भी बेहद एडवांस बनाते हैं।

पावरफुल इंजन और जबरदस्त ड्राइविंग एक्सपीरियंस

इस SUV में 1956cc का डीजल इंजन दिया गया है, जो 168 bhp की पावर और 350 Nm का टॉर्क जनरेट करता है। चाहे मैन्युअल ट्रांसमिशन हो या ऑटोमैटिक, गाड़ी हर सड़क और हर मौसम में स्मूद और कंट्रोल्ड ड्राइविंग का अनुभव देती है। इसकी सस्पेंशन क्वालिटी भी काफी बेहतर है, जो लंबे सफर को आरामदायक बनाती है।

स्पेस और सेफ्टी दोनों में भरोसेमंद

7-सीटर ऑप्शन में मिलने वाली जीप मेरिडियन का तीसरी पंक्ति की सीटें फोल्ड हो जाती हैं, जिससे बूट स्पेस काफी बड़ा हो जाता है। ADAS फीचर्स, 6 एयरबैग्स, 360-डिग्री कैमरा, ट्रैक्शन कंट्रोल और हिल स्टार्ट असिस्ट जैसे फीचर्स इसे और भी सुरक्षित बनाते हैं। हालांकि, तीसरी पंक्ति की जगह वयस्कों के लिए थोड़ी सीमित हो सकती है।

कीमत और वैरिएंट्स

Jeep Meridian

Jeep Meridian की कीमत 24.99 लाख से शुरू होकर 38.79 लाख (एक्स-शोरूम) तक जाती है। इसमें कुल 9 वैरिएंट्स मिलते हैं, जिनमें बेस मॉडल 5-सीटर है और टॉप मॉडल सभी लग्ज़री फीचर्स से भरपूर 7-सीटर वर्जन है।

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Who Will Get Place in Today’s Match?


IPL 2025, MI vs SRH Predicted Playing 11 Today Match, Full Squad: Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians will lock horns with Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad in a mouth-watering clash in the Indian Premier League 2025 Match No. 33 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Both teams are coming into this high-octane clash after winning their respective last games.

Mumbai beat Delhi Capitals in a thriller by 12 runs by effecting three run-outs in the 19th over of the DC innings. On the other hand, it was an Abhishek Sharma show in Hyderabad where he led his team to the second-highest chase in IPL history against Punjab Kings. Abhishek made the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL and his 141 off 55 helped SRH chase 246 in just 18.3 overs.

Both MI and SRH have won only two games each in the first six matches this season and sit seventh and ninth respectively in the points table with four points. While Mumbai has a positive NRR (+0.104), Hyderabad after suffering four crushing losses have a negative NRR (-1.245), the second-worst after bottom-placed Chennai Super Kings.

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Mumbai and Hyderabad look settled with their XIs and are expected to play the same team.

MI vs SRH IPL 2025 Predicted XIs

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami, Eshan Malinga.

  • Impact Sub: Jaydev Unadkat

MI vs SRH IPL 2025 Full Squads

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Karn Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Krishnan Shrijith, Arjun Tendulkar, Bevon Jacobs, Satyanarayana Raju, Vignesh Puthur

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Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami, Eshan Malinga, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Atharva Taide, Simarjeet Singh, Smaran Ravichandran



“One Person Never…”: Nitish Rana Breaks Silence On Not Being Sent By RR For Super Over vs DC In IPL 2025





IPL 2025 witnessed its first Super Over during the Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals match at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. DC batted first to score 188/5, later RR also managed to reach 188/4 in 20 overs. After RR wobbled a bit in middle overs, Nitish Rana‘s 51 off 28 balls put them back on track. However, the match went into Super Over after the scores were tied. Interestingly, RR sent Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Super Over. They could not even complete the six ball as they lost two wickets and scored 11. DC chased own the Super Over target of 12 runs in four balls. 

Nitish Rana was asked about him being not sent for Soper Over.

“The management takes the call, not one person. The captain is there along with two other senior players and coaches. If Shimron Hetmyer had hit two sixes, then you wouldn’t be asking this question. I will give the same answer. I don’t have any other answer. Whatever decisions we took was absolutely right. Hetmyer is our finisher, that everyone knows. He has delivered in the past,” Rana said in the press conference.

“One person never takes such calls. Management and support staff is there to discuss such things. If the decision was in our favour then your question would have been different. Cricket is a result-oriented sport. If Sandeep Sharma had bowled well in the Super Over, which he has done in the past. In this situation, he was most likely the bowler for us. We were one big shot less. We were targeting 15 runs in the Super Over.”

In a match that had its ebbs and flows, Delhi Capitals (DC) held their nerve to emerge victorious over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a thrilling Super Over and climb atop the points table at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

On a slow pitch, late cameos from captain Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, and Ashutosh Sharma rescued DC from a precarious position and enabled them to post a formidable 188/5. In reply, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana threatened to take RR to victory by smashing 51 runs each.

But Mitchell Starc‘s defense of nine runs in the final over meant the game went into a Super Over, which happened for the first time in the IPL after 2022. Starc again delivered for DC in the Super Over, as RRwase kept to 12. Stubbs and KL Rahul kept themselves calm to ensure DC clinched an incredible win, which was also their first victory of the ongoing season in New Delhi.

In the Super Oval, DC went ahead with Starc against Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag. The duo hit a boundary each off him, including off a no-ball, before committing a harakiri by being run out on successive balls and setting a target of 12 runs to win for DC.

After taking two runs on the first ball, Rahul sliced Sandeep Sharma for four, before taking a single. Stubbs then pulled Sandeep over deep mid-wicket for six to seal a thrilling win for DC, who have now won a Super Over for the fourth time in their history of being in the IPL.

With IANS inputs 

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Honda Hness CB350 रेट्रो लुक, लेटेस्ट फीचर्स और दमदार परफॉर्मेंस


अगर आप उन लोगों में हैं जो बाइक चलाते वक़्त सिर्फ़ रफ्तार ही नहीं, बल्कि रॉयल अहसास भी चाहते हैं, तो Honda Hness CB350 आपके लिए ही बनी है। इसका लुक जितना क्लासिक है, उतना ही इसका परफॉर्मेंस आपको हर सफर में एक नई ताजगी का अनुभव कराता है। यह बाइक दिल जीतने के लिए तैयार है स्टाइल से लेकर सेफ्टी तक, हर मोड़ पर खास।

दमदार इंजन और शानदार परफॉर्मेंस

Honda Hness CB350 में 348.36cc का BS6 इंजन दिया गया है, जो 20.78 bhp की ताकत और 30 Nm का टॉर्क देता है। यह इंजन न सिर्फ स्मूद है, बल्कि लंबे सफर में भी थकान महसूस नहीं होने देता। इसकी 5 स्पीड गियरबॉक्स के साथ राइडिंग एक्सपीरियंस और भी मज़ेदार हो जाता है।

Honda Hness CB350

दोनो टायर्स पर डिस्क ब्रेक्स और डुअल-चैनल ABS इसे सेफ्टी के मामले में भी बेहतरीन बनाते हैं।

नए कलर्स और स्टाइलिश अपडेट

2023 के अपडेट्स के साथ Honda Hness CB350 और भी दिलकश हो गई है। नए कलर ऑप्शन – ब्लू-ग्रे और मैट ग्रीन-ब्लैक, इसे भीड़ से अलग खड़ा करते हैं। इसके साथ ही फोर्क गेटर्स और स्प्लिट सीट इसे रेट्रो और रग्ड लुक देते हैं। सीट का नया पैटर्न इसे और आरामदायक बनाता है, वहीं क्रोम मिरर पर काले हेड इसे मॉडर्न टच देते हैं।

अब बाइक को बनाए अपनी तरह

Honda ने अब इस बाइक के लिए कस्टम किट्स भी पेश किए हैं, जो इसे एक कैफे रेसर या टूरिंग बाइक में बदल सकते हैं। चाहे आप राइडिंग के शौकीन हों या सिर्फ़ अपने स्टाइल से सबको इम्प्रेस करना चाहते हों, इन किट्स के साथ आप अपनी बाइक को अपनी पर्सनैलिटी के हिसाब से ढाल सकते हैं।

Royal Enfield और Jawa को दे रही है सीधी टक्कर

Honda Hness CB350

Honda Hness CB350 न केवल राइडिंग में दमदार है, बल्कि यह Royal Enfield Hunter 350 और Jawa 42 जैसी बाइक्स को कड़ी टक्कर भी दे रही है। इसकी क्वालिटी, फिनिशिंग और भरोसेमंद परफॉर्मेंस इसे सेगमेंट में खास बनाते हैं।

डिस्क्लेमर: यह लेख सिर्फ़ सामान्य जानकारी के लिए लिखा गया है। कीमतें और फीचर्स समय के साथ बदल सकते हैं। खरीदने से पहले अधिकृत डीलर से संपर्क अवश्य करें।

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12 लाख की कीमत में मिल रही है लग्ज़री EV क्या आपने MG Windsor EV के बारे में सुना


भारतीय वाहन बाजार में इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों की मांग दिन-ब-दिन बढ़ रही है। MG Motor ने इस परिवर्तन को समझा और अपनी नई इलेक्ट्रिक कार, MG Windsor EV, को भारतीय बाजार में लॉन्च किया है। यह कार भारतीय ग्राहकों के लिए एक बेहतरीन विकल्प बनकर उभरी है। Windsor EV को 11 सितंबर, 2024 को लॉन्च किया गया और यह एक स्टाइलिश, किफायती और आधुनिक इलेक्ट्रिक क्यूवी है।

MG Windsor EV की आकर्षक डिज़ाइन

MG Windsor EV का डिज़ाइन बेहद आकर्षक है। इसके फ्रंट में स्प्लिट हेडलाइट सेटअप और ए-पिलर-माउंटेड ORVMs इसे एक अलग पहचान देते हैं। इसके अलावा, फ्लश-फिटिंग डोर हैंडल्स और एलॉय व्हील्स इस कार की खूबसूरती को और बढ़ाते हैं।

MG Windsor EV

रियर में इंटीग्रेटेड स्पॉइलर और बम्पर-माउंटेड नंबर प्लेट होल्डर इसे और भी स्टाइलिश बनाते हैं। इसे देखकर आपको यह महसूस होगा कि यह कार केवल एक इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन नहीं, बल्कि एक लक्ज़री का अनुभव है।

MG Windsor EV का पावरट्रेन और बैटरी

MG Windsor EV को 38 kWh की बैटरी पैक के साथ पेश किया गया है। इसकी मोटर 134bhp और 200Nm का पावर जेनरेट करती है। यह फ्रंट-व्हील ड्राइव वाहन है, और इसकी क्लेम की गई रेंज 331 किमी है। तीन ड्राइविंग मोड्स – Eco, Eco+ और Sport इस कार को एक बेहतरीन ड्राइविंग अनुभव प्रदान करते हैं। चाहे आप शहर में ड्राइव कर रहे हों या लंबी यात्रा पर जा रहे हों, MG Windsor EV हर परिस्थिति में आपको बेहतरीन रेंज और प्रदर्शन प्रदान करेगा।

आधुनिक और आरामदायक इंटीरियर्स

MG Windsor EV के इंटीरियर्स में आपको 15.6 इंच की फ्रीस्टैंडिंग टचस्क्रीन इंफोटेनमेंट सिस्टम, ड्यूल-टोन अपहोल्स्ट्री और पूरी तरह से डिजिटल इंस्ट्रूमेंट क्लस्टर मिलेगा। रियर AC वेंट्स और मल्टीफंक्शन स्टीयरिंग व्हील जैसे फीचर्स इस कार को और भी आरामदायक बनाते हैं। यह कार अपनी स्पेसियस और प्रीमियम फील के साथ आपको एक बेहतर ड्राइविंग अनुभव देती है।

MG Windsor EV की सुरक्षा

MG Windsor EV

हालांकि MG Windsor EV को अब तक NCAP द्वारा टेस्ट नहीं किया गया है, लेकिन इसे कई सेफ्टी फीचर्स से लैस किया गया है। इसमें एंटी-लॉक ब्रेकिंग सिस्टम (ABS), इलेक्ट्रॉनिक स्टेबिलिटी कंट्रोल (ESC) और अन्य सुरक्षा सुविधाएँ शामिल हैं, जो इस कार को सुरक्षित बनाती हैं।

MG Windsor EV न केवल एक किफायती इलेक्ट्रिक विकल्प है, बल्कि यह एक प्रीमियम और आरामदायक अनुभव भी प्रदान करता है। इसके आकर्षक डिज़ाइन, बेहतरीन रेंज और आधुनिक फीचर्स इसे भारतीय इलेक्ट्रिक कार बाजार में एक मजबूत प्रतिस्पर्धी बनाते हैं। यदि आप एक किफायती और टिकाऊ इलेक्ट्रिक कार की तलाश में हैं, तो MG Windsor EV आपके लिए एक आदर्श विकल्प हो सकती है।

अस्वीकरण: इस लेख में दी गई जानकारी अनुमानित है और बदलाव संभव हैं। हमेशा अद्यतन जानकारी के लिए आधिकारिक स्रोतों का संदर्भ लें।

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Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Weather Report and How to Watch Today Match 33 Live? Know here


IPL 2025, MI vs SRH Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Live Cricket Score Streaming Online: Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to get their season back on track in a must-win encounter at the Wankhede on Thursday. With the stadium known to be a batting friendly one, expect this one to be a run fest, especially since Hyderabad seem to have found their mojo, chasing down Punjab Kings 245-run target in their last match, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s century.

Weather report for MI vs SRH game in Mumbai

According to the Accuweather, the maximum temperature is expected to be 35 degrees centigrade for Thursday with a minimum temperature of 27 degrees centigrade during the time of the match. There is expected to be a little cloud cover during the match with no chances of rain.

Pitch report for MI vs SRH in Wankhede

Wankhede has always been a batter friendly venue and Thursday’s pitch won’t be any different. There are big hitters on both sides so expect major fireworks. The bowlers are in for a long night, especially in the second innings where dew is expected to set in. Eyes will also be on Jasprit Bumrah on how he navigates the pitch after a subpar outing against Karin Nair in MI’s last match vs DC.

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Livestreaming details of MI vs SRH IPL match

Which channel will broadcast the live match between MI vs SRH?

The match between MI vs SRH will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network.

What time will the MI vs SRH toss happen?

The toss for the match between MI vs SRH will take place at 07:00 PM IST at the Wankhede Stadium.

What time will the match between MI vs SRH start?

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The match between MI vs SRH will start at 07:30 PM IST.

Where to catch the MI vs SRH match Live Streaming in India?

The live streaming of the match between MI vs SRH will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.



IPL 2025 Points Table, Orange Cap, Purple Cap: Delhi Capitals Reclaim Top Spot After Super Over Drama vs Rajasthan Royals





Mitchell Starc powered Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling Super Over win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their IPL 2025 match. With RR needing nine off the final over while chasing 189, Starc forced the Super Over, where he only conceded 11 runs, a total which was achieved by DC batter KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs with two balls to spare. The win saw DC reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2025 points table with five wins in six games while RR remained eighth with four points from seven matches.

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There were no changes in the Orange Cap and Purple Cap leaderboards, which are still led by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vice-captain Nicholas Pooran and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Noor Ahmad, respectively. KKR bowlers Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy are on 10 wickets each, two behind Noor.

Chasing 189, Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 37) and ‘local lad’ Nitish Rana (51 off 28) had the Royals cruising, but DC’s bowlers turned the tide with a roaring late surge, eventually tying the game at 188/4.

The late drama followed a solid batting effort by DC, built on Abishek Porel’s composed 49 and explosive cameos from skipper Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34 not out off 18), lifting them to a competitive 188/5 after being asked to bat.

Desperate for a win to reignite their campaign, Jaiswal came out all guns blazing as he clobbered two sixes off Mukesh Kumar before dismantling Mitchell Starc with two boundaries and a towering maximum, making his intent clear.

Sanju Samson joined the party even as Ashutosh Sharma spilled a regulation catch. The Royals’ captain eventually retired hurt, after pulling his side.

With the chase humming along, Axar wicketless all season, broke the drought with a ripper that outfoxed Riyan Parag.

Jaiswal, however, looked invincible until Axar turned once more to his trusted match-winner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 4 overs). The move worked. Delhi’s standout wrist-spinner struck gold, removing the set Jaiswal.

But Rana was in no mood to let up. The southpaw batted with precision, sending anything in his arc to the fence with ease.

His calculated aggression and clean ball-striking kept Royals firmly on course. But once Rana was trapped led before by Starc the script changed.

Earlier, if Porel and KL Rahul (38) laid a solid foundation with a 63-run stand, Axar’s blistering 13-ball 34, along with Tristan Stubbs’ (34 not out off 18 balls) late surge, provided the final flourish in an innings where momentum swung like a pendulum between the two sides.

Sandeep Sharma (0/33) bowled beautifully through his spell, took pace off his deliveries. However, he lost his rhythm in the final over, leaking four wides and a no-ball.

Delhi Capitals got off to a fiery start, with Jake Fraser-McGurk (9) cracking back-to-back boundaries off Jofra Archer (2/32) to set the tone.

Young Porel lit up the stadium early on, taking the second over by storm. He tore into Tushar Deshpande, smashing 23 runs, including four elegant boundaries.

But the highlight was a sublime flick over deep backward square for a maximum that had the crowd roaring.

However, DC’s momentum faltered as Fraser-McGurk’s lean patch persisted. The Australian lofted a simple catch to Yashasvi Jaiswal at mid-off in the fourth over, gifting Rajasthan Royals a breakthrough.

Run outs came back to haunt Delhi again as a mix-up between Porel and the in-form Karun Nair (0) resulted in the latter’s dismissal, abruptly halting the Capitals’ early charge.

The Royals’ bowlers tightened the noose during the middle overs, drying up the boundaries and building persistent pressure.

Yet, Porel found a steady ally in seasoned Rahul. The veteran batter brought a sense of calm amid storm, easing the pressure with two towering sixes — one launched down the ground off Deshpande in the 7th, and another elegantly lifted over long-off against Mahesh Theekshana in the 11th.

Just when the hosts looked like having rebuild their innings, Archer was brought back skipper Sanju Samson. And the English pacer struck gold, dismissing Rahul with back of length delivery that found Shimron Hetmyer at deep midwicket.

The West Indian held on to a low catch, inches above the ground, swinging the momentum back in Rajasthan’s favour.

But DC skipper Axar, who hasn’t had the best of tournaments exploded, smashing four boundaries and two maximums before Stubbs’ clean strikes helped Delhi finish strong.

(With PTI Inputs)

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