Rajasthan Royals poor run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues as they went down against Delhi Capitals by 46 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing 184 runs, Rajasthan managed to post only 138 runs suffering their fourth loss of the season. Steve Smith admitted that they have failed to play good cricket throughout 40 overs and that they have failed to execute properly under pressure.
From the half-hour mark, it looked like Rajasthan Royals will finally pocket two points. But a brilliant effort from Delhi Capitals bowlers capped by poor effort with the bat from Rajasthan cost them the game. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Steve Smith fought at the top but some brilliant effort in the field by Shimron Hetmyer broke the partnership and then it was Delhi all the way.
Rajasthan Royals succumb to pressure
Rahul Tewatia played a crucial 38-run knock at the end but lacked support as Rajasthan Royals fell 46 runs short. They will have a lot of catching up to do in the upcoming games to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs.
Batting first, Delhi Capitals were nowhere close to there usual best. The last time they played in Sharjah, a swashbuckling effort from their batsmen helped them post in excess of 225 but the in-form batsmen failed to replicate the effort today.
Jofra Archer did the damage early on as he got rid of both openers in the powerplay. And just when Shreyas Iyer was in full flow, a brilliant direct-hit by Yashasvi Jaiswal from short cover brought an end to his innings. The crucial knocks by Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer helped Delhi Capitals to reach a respectable total of 184 runs.
Failed to execute under pressure – Steve Smith
Speaking the post-match presentation ceremony, Steve Smith admitted that they have failed to play good cricket throughout 40 overs. He also stated that they couldn’t execute their plans properly under pressure.
“We are not playing good enough over the 40 overs, and not executing when the pressure is coming on and you can’t win many games that way. The bowlers did a good job, and I don’t think the wicket was as good as it has been here, a bit sloppy tonight, and we gave away 10-15 extra runs,” Steve Smith said.
Furthermore, Steve Smith said that the entire team will have to remain positive and look forward to the next games. The Aussie cricketer also didn’t have a good run so far and will hope to come back to form soon.
“We have to remain positive, turn things around quickly. At the moment it doesn’t seem to be going our way. I’m not batting too well either. I did feel good tonight with the bat but didn’t get hold of one that I feel like I should have,” Smith added.
