Starc and Rahul End Delhi Capitals' Losing Streak with Seven-Wicket Win Over Rajasthan Royals

Key facts

• Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets with five balls to spare.
• Mitchell Starc took 3 for 40 on his first IPL game of the season.
• KL Rahul scored 75 off 40 balls; Pathum Nissanka made 62 off 33.
• Riyan Parag scored 90 off 50 balls, his first fifty-plus score of the season.
• Donovan Ferreira hit 47 not out off 14 balls, including six sixes.
• Rajasthan Royals posted 225 for 6 after opting to bat first.
• Delhi Capitals chased down 226 with a 110-run opening stand.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was bowled for 4 by Kyle Jamieson off his second ball.

Starc's Return Lifts Capitals

Mitchell Starc, playing his first Indian Premier League match of the season, delivered a decisive spell of 3 for 40 to help Delhi Capitals snap a three-match losing streak. The left-arm pacer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 6, Ravindra Jadeja for 20, and Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag for 90, derailing the hosts' innings after they had chosen to bat first in Jaipur on Friday. Starc's performance was a timely boost for Delhi Capitals, who had been struggling to stay in contention for a top-four finish. His wickets came at crucial junctures, preventing Rajasthan from building an even more imposing total.

Parag's Return to Form

Riyan Parag, who was penalised after being caught vaping during Rajasthan's previous match against Punjab Kings, responded with a 50-ball 90 — his first fifty-plus score of the season. Parag anchored the innings after early losses, adding 42 runs with Dhruv Jurel to stabilise the Royals. Despite Parag's efforts, Rajasthan's innings was propelled late by Donovan Ferreira, who smashed six sixes in a 14-ball 47 not out, lifting the total to 225 for 6. The late surge gave the Royals a competitive score, but it proved insufficient.

Opening Stand Sets Up Chase

Delhi Capitals' chase was built on a 110-run opening partnership between KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. Rahul made 75 off 40 balls, while Nissanka contributed 62 off 33, providing the platform for a successful run chase of 226. Jofra Archer dismissed Rahul for 1 for 46 in his four overs, but Nitish Rana's 33 off 17 balls kept the momentum. Tristan Stubbs (18 not out) and Ashutosh Sharma (25 not out) then guided the Capitals home with five balls to spare, sealing a seven-wicket victory.

Early Wickets and a Teenager's Rare Failure

Rajasthan Royals lost both openers inside the first two overs: Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 6 and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was bowled for 4 by New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson off just the second ball he faced. Sooryavanshi's early dismissal was a rare failure for the teenager, who had been a talking point in the tournament. Despite the early setbacks, Parag and Jurel rebuilt, but the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented Rajasthan from posting an even higher total.

Playoff Implications

The victory keeps Delhi Capitals' slim hopes of a top-four finish alive, ending their three-match losing streak. For Rajasthan Royals, the loss is a setback after a strong run of form, though they remain in contention. With the IPL 2026 season progressing, every match carries significant weight for teams jostling for playoff positions. Delhi Capitals will need to maintain this momentum to secure a spot in the top four.

Looking Ahead

Delhi Capitals will aim to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures, while Rajasthan Royals will look to regroup after a defeat that exposed vulnerabilities in their bowling attack. The tournament continues to deliver high-scoring encounters, with no total appearing safe. As the race for the playoffs intensifies, both teams have much to play for in the remaining matches. The Capitals' win in Jaipur serves as a reminder of their potential when key players fire in unison.

The bottom line

• Mitchell Starc's 3 for 40 on his IPL season debut was instrumental in restricting Rajasthan Royals.
• KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka's 110-run opening partnership set the foundation for Delhi's successful chase.
• Riyan Parag scored 90 off 50 balls, his first fifty-plus of the season, but it was not enough to secure victory.
• Donovan Ferreira's 47 not out off 14 balls, with six sixes, gave Rajasthan a late boost.
• Delhi Capitals ended a three-match losing streak, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
• Rajasthan Royals lost early wickets, including 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 4.