Axar Patel delivered a much-needed breakthrough for Delhi Capitals with a peach of a delivery to dismiss the in-form Riyan Parag during their IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on April 16. Chasing a competitive target of 189, Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start.
Openers Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured a strong powerplay, putting the Delhi bowlers under pressure right from the beginning. However, Samson had to retire hurt in the sixth over due to a suspected rib injury, halting some of the Royals’ early momentum. By the end of the powerplay, RR were cruising at 63 for no loss.
WATCH – Sanju Samson Retires Hurt with Suspected Rib Injury During Clash Against Delhi Capitals
With Jaiswal well set and Parag joining him at the crease, the onus fell on DC skipper Axar Patel to make something happen—and he did exactly that. After bowling a tight opening over for just two runs, Axar returned in his second with a moment of magic.
— crictalk (@crictalk7) April 16, 2025
Coming around the wicket, Axar bowled a deceptive delivery that angled in from middle and off. Parag, expecting a straighter ball, shaped up to push it gently. But the ball held its line, beat the outside edge, and rattled the off stump. Parag was left stunned, and Axar finally had his first wicket of the season after five wicketless outings.
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The dismissal came at a crucial juncture, as RR were beginning to dominate. At the end of 12 overs, the Royals were 104/1, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 50 and Nitish Rana holding fort at the other end with 11. Much now rested on Jaiswal’s shoulders to steer the chase.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals posted a solid 188/5, powered by a composed 49 from Abishek Porel. KL Rahul (38), Tristan Stubbs (34*), and Axar Patel (34) also chipped in with valuable contributions to set up a strong total.
