Rahul waves physio away in Delhi heat
It was a hot afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and the conditions showed. When KL Rahul was struck on the helmet by a slower short ball from Marco Jansen, the physio walked out for a concussion check. Rahul met him midway, shared a quick hug, and sent him back.
There was no delay. Rahul stayed on, unfazed, and took a leg bye off the same delivery. The moment summed up his mood. He was not done yet. In temperatures pushing into the 40s, he kept the tempo high, even as Punjab Kings struggled to hold their lines and lengths.
Rahul, Rana extend dominance as Punjab lose grip
Rahul and Nitish Rana continued to dictate terms. The partnership crossed 200, built on sustained scoring rather than short bursts. Rahul moved to 140 off 61 balls, with 13 fours and 8 sixes, maintaining a strike rate well above 200.
Rana matched him with 81 off 41 balls, hitting 10 fours and 2 sixes. He rotated when needed and attacked when offered width or length. Together, they kept finding gaps and clearing the infield.
Delhi Capitals surged to 238 for 1 after 18 overs, adding runs at over 12 an over. Punjab’s bowlers had little control. Jansen finished his spell with expensive figures, and earlier overs had already shifted momentum.
There were also lapses in the field through the innings, which only added to the pressure. By this stage, Punjab were chasing the game. Delhi, with Rahul and Rana set, were pushing towards a total well beyond reach.