Delhi Capitals batter Ashutosh Sharma stressed that in modern T20 cricket, the quality of the opening partnership and smart powerplay execution can decide the direction of a chase. His comments came after DC secured a seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 match on Friday night, chasing a demanding total of 226.
What Ashutosh said after the win
At the post-match press conference, Ashutosh pointed to the start DC received from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka. He said their work at the top ensured the chase stayed on track and gave the team confidence to keep going deep into the innings.
“In T20 cricket nowadays, a lot depends on the opening partnership and the powerplay. Our openers [KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka] played really well, and because of that, we were in the game throughout and could take it till the end,” Ashutosh said.
Considering the target of 226, the right-hander also highlighted how T20 games rarely end early, even when totals look imposing. He noted that teams have to be prepared for the contest to stretch into the final overs.
“A score of 230 is always a big score. No matter how you start, in T20 cricket, the game usually goes till the end. You cannot assume that the match will be finished early. So yes, it was a big total, but it going till the end is part of the game,” he added.
Ashutosh finished with an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls, striking four boundaries during his stay. He said remaining not out in a successful chase is one of the best feelings for any batter.
“Whenever the team wins, and you are not out, I feel it is always the best innings. Yes, I really enjoyed this inning,” Ashutosh said.
The Delhi Capitals finisher further spoke about embracing his role in closing phases. He said the team’s trust to bat in high-pressure situations is something he enjoys, and that his mindset is always to keep the possibility of winning alive as long as he is at the crease.
“It is my role, and I enjoy being a finisher for my team. The team has trusted me to bat in these situations, and I enjoy playing in these moments. I always feel that as long as I am at the crease, I can win the game for my team,” he concluded.
DC’s chase: foundation from Rahul and Nissanka
A blistering 110-run opening partnership between KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka set the tone for DC’s successful run chase. Rahul made 75 off 40 balls, while Nissanka contributed 62 off 33, combining to provide a platform for a historic chase.
The chase was ultimately brought home calmly by Tristan Stubbs (18*) and Ashutosh Sharma (25*). DC reached the target with five balls still remaining, with Stubbs and Ashutosh finishing the job together.
Rajasthan’s innings: Parag’s 90 and Ferreira’s late surge
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals put up 225/6 after choosing to bat. Riyan Parag top-scored with a composed 90 off 50 deliveries—his first fifty-plus score of the season—giving RR a strong base.
Donovan Ferreira then accelerated late in the innings, smashing an unbeaten 47 off just 14 balls to lift Rajasthan towards a big total.
After early setbacks, Parag steadied the innings alongside Dhruv Jurel, who made 42. Mitchell Starc played a key role for DC as he took 3/40, including the wicket of the RR captain on his return.
Result and league implications
The victory was a landmark for Delhi Capitals, marking their highest successful run chase in IPL history. DC completed the chase with five balls to spare.
With this result, DC earned their fourth win of the season and moved to sixth place in the points table. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, remained fourth, having won six of their 10 matches.
The chase also became the second-highest successful total against Rajasthan in IPL history, with the only higher chase being the 229 runs chased by SRH at the same venue earlier in the season.
