Delhi Capitals down Chennai Super Kings to extend winning run in IPL

CHENNAI: Lokesh Rahul led the way with 77 off 51 balls as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs on Saturday to continue their winning start in the Indian Premier League.
Rahul hit a maiden half-century for his new franchise, including six fours and three sixes, as Delhi notched up 183-6 in 20 overs. Abishek Porel contributed 33 off 20 balls.
In reply, Chennai were restricted to 158-5 (20 overs), with their top-order lacking the firepower needed for such a chase.
It was Delhi’s third straight win to start off this season — only the second time they have achieved this feat in IPL history, the last such occasion was in 2009.
The Capitals thus climbed atop the points’ table with six points.

For Chennai, it was a third straight loss in four games overall.
Opting to bat, Delhi lost attacking opener Jake Fraser-McGurk for a five-ball duck. Khaleel Ahmed was Chennai’s best bowler with 2-25 in four overs, including the opener’s wicket.
Rahul and Porel then added 54 off 36 balls for the second wicket, with the latter hitting four fours and a six before he was out caught off Ravindra Jadeja.
Skipper Axar Patel put in a cameo — 21 off 14 balls — helping Delhi get to 90-3 just past the halfway stage.
Rahul reached 50 off 33 deliveries and helped strike middle-order partnerships with Sameer Rizvi (20) and Tristan Stubbs (24 not out off 12 balls).
The hosts suffered from a lack of firepower in their batting.
Rachin Ravindra was out for three, while Devon Conway was caught for 13.