Mitchell Starc has been hailed as “an Australian legend” after inspiring Indian Premier League table-toppers Delhi Capitals to a thrilling super over victory against Rajasthan Royals.
Fast bowler Starc forced the game into the super over with a brilliant eight-run 20th over as Rajasthan finished at 4-188 in reply to Delhi’s 5-188.
Two run-outs in Starc’s super over limited Rajasthan to 2-11 before Lokesh Rahul and Tristan Stubbs smashed Sandeep Sharma’s first four balls for 13 runs and took Delhi on top of the points table with five wins from six games.
Starc, who had been hit around early in the innings, was named player of the match for his brilliance under pressure and game-winning contribution.
He said: “I just backed my execution. Run in with a clear plan and try to execute it. Sometimes it doesn’t come off, today it did.”
Having almost conceded a no-ball in the super over, he added: “It was a fantastic game, happy to get on the right side. I’ve played long enough for everyone to know what I’d do, but if I execute then I know I’ll get by. A bit of luck goes a long way.”
Rajasthan seemed to have controlled the chase until Starc nailed a perfect yorker to half century-maker Nitish Rana (51) in the 18th over and had the left-hander plumb leg before wicket.
Starc bowled four more yorkers in the final over and with two needed on the final ball, Dhruv Jurel got run out while going for the winning run.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel said: “I thought if Starc could execute, he could bring us back in the game. He bowled the 20th over and the super over. To bowl 12 yorkers in 12 balls, that’s why he’s an Australian legend.”
It was a dramatic redemption for Starc, who had been at the centre of Delhi’s chaotic first defeat of the season against the Mumbai Indians on Saturday.
Delhi gave up three late run-outs, each with the big-hitting Starc at the non-striker’s end, to infuriate the Capitals’ supporters.
Starc came into the Rajasthan match on a lean run of bowling form, too, having gone wicketless in his previous two matches, conceding 78 runs from six overs at 13 per over.
Delhi captain Axar Patel and Stubbs provided a late flurry against Rajasthan by scoring 34 runs each to propel the home team’s total. Stubbs, who was dropped on 12, remained unbeaten as Delhi smashed 42 runs off the final 18 balls.
Delhi’s Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was out for nine but ran out Yashasvi Jaiswal in the super over.
Rajasthan dropped to eighth place with just two wins from seven games.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au