IPL: Good start by Rajasthan Royals openers closes door on Delhi Daredevils

A steady 108-run partnership between Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane ensures a classy win without much risks taken.

Toss Delhi, chose to bat
Delhi Rohrer 64 n.o, Jayawardene 34; Trivedi 1-21
Rajasthan Rahane 63 n.o, Dravid 53; Kaul 1-23
Man of the match Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals)

A good start by Rajasthan Royals openers ensured a victory by nine wickets over Delhi Daredevils yesterday, but also signified the formal end to any hopes the visitors had of resurrecting the campaign in the Indian Premier League this season.

Rahul Dravid compiled an elegant 48-ball, 53-run knock as the 108-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (63) ensured Rajasthan chased down the target of 155 with the perfect opening platform that the hosts wanted to maintain their unbeaten record at home.

Rahane brought up his third half-century this season in the tournament, and with Shane Watson in form, the result was a formality after Dravid left the field.

Watson (28) hit three fours and one six in quick time to hurry Rajasthan's victory with 13 balls to spare. Though Rahane top-scored with his unbeaten 63 for the man of the match, Dravid's innings and his partnership were full of orthodox shots.

Dravid had revealed at the start of the tournament that this will be his last season of cricket, prompting Watson to comment during today's game: "It is amazing to watch Dravid. I think he has another 10 years of cricket left in him."

Royals' victory meant Ben Rohrer's knock of 64 in 40 balls with nine boundaries and a six went in vain when Delhi made a late push and managed 154 runs for four earlier. Delhi, with six points from 12 games, are out of reckoning.

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