Parag’s Masterclass Powers Rajasthan Royals to 225/6; Starc Strikes Late for Capitals

Jaipur, May 2026 : A captain’s knock from Riyan Parag and a blistering late cameo by Donovan Ferreira propelled the Rajasthan Royals to an imposing 225/6 against the Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday. Despite the Royals’ strong finish, a late surge from Mitchell Starc ensured Delhi stayed in contention heading into the chase.

The innings began with high expectations, especially around a much-anticipated face-off between young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Starc. However, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal who grabbed early attention, smashing Starc for a six off the very first ball he faced. The excitement was short-lived as Jaiswal fell just two deliveries later, mistiming a high full toss back to the bowler. The early breakthrough triggered a mini-collapse, with Sooryavanshi bowled for 12 by Kyle Jamieson, leaving Rajasthan reeling at 12/2 within the first two overs.

At this crucial juncture, skipper Parag stepped up, anchoring the innings alongside Dhruv Jurel. The duo steadied the ship, carefully negotiating the powerplay to take the score to 56/2. Delhi’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav and captain Axar Patel, tightened the screws in the middle overs, restricting the scoring rate and building pressure.

Parag, however, displayed composure and class, gradually shifting gears. He brought up a well-crafted half-century off 32 balls, mixing caution with aggression. By the 11th over, he had accelerated to 60 off 34 deliveries, guiding Rajasthan past the 100-run mark. Jurel provided solid support with a brisk 42 off 30 balls, including a towering six, before falling at a crucial stage.

The introduction of Ravindra Jadeja up the order added impetus, as Rajasthan looked to capitalize in the death overs. Parag dominated Jamieson in particular, taking him apart for 32 runs in just a couple of overs. By the 16th over, the Royals were cruising at 166/3, with Parag nearing a deserved century.

Just when a massive total seemed inevitable, Starc turned the tide with a brilliant spell. Using variations in pace and clever execution, he dismissed Jadeja with a slower short ball and followed it up by removing Parag for a magnificent 90 off 50 balls. The double blow reduced Rajasthan to 173/5, momentarily halting their momentum.

However, Ferreira ensured the Royals finished on a high. The South African all-rounder unleashed a breathtaking assault in the final overs, smashing 47 off just 14 balls. His innings, laced with powerful hitting against even near-perfect yorkers, lifted Rajasthan to a formidable 225/6.

From a shaky 12/2 to a dominant 166/3 and a late wobble before the final flourish, Rajasthan’s innings was a story of resilience, recovery, and explosive finishing.

Score: Rajasthan Royals 225/6 (20 overs) — Riyan Parag 90 (50), Donovan Ferreira 47* (14); Mitchell Starc 3/40, Kyle Jamieson 1/48
Delhi Capitals: Yet to bat