IPL 2022: Match 34, DC vs RR – Who Said What

Rajasthan Royals got the better of northern rivals Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in Match 34 of IPL 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 22. More importantly, the game witnessed a second straight century from in-form Jos Buttler and yet another 200+ run-chase that almost went down to the wire.

DC skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to bowl first. The move backfired as Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal added 155 runs for the opening stand before the latter’s dismissal for a 35-ball 54. The Englishman then continued his onslaught by working in tandem with Sanju Samson and eventually reached his century off just 57 balls. This was Buttler’s second consecutive and third century of the season. His blistering knock of 116 runs from 65 deliveries propelled RR to 222/2.

Delhi Capitals go down fighting

In reply, Prithvi Shaw (37) and David Warner (28) ensured a good start for the Capitals with a 43-run opening stand. While captain Pant and middle-order sensation Lalit Yadav did chip in with 44 and 37 respectively, the Rajasthan bowlers managed to add pressure on them in the middle and death overs. Rovman Powell did make a statement by scoring a 15-ball 36 at a brilliant strike rate of 240, but there was no support from the other end as the Delhi Capitals were eventually restricted to 207/8.

Losing skipper, Rishabh Pant said:

“I think they were bowling well throughout the game but in the end Powell gave us a chance, I thought that no-ball could have been precious for us but it is not in my control. Yes, disappointed but can’t do much about it. Everyone was frustrated (in the dugout) that it was not even close, everyone in the ground saw that, I think the third umpire should have interfered and said it was a no-ball. Obviously it wasn’t right (sending Amre onto the field) but what happened with us is also not right, it happened in the heat of the moment. It was the fault from both sides and it is disappointing as we have seen some good umpiring in the tournament. It is disappointing to go so close especially when the other team has scored 200+. I think we could have bowled much better. I can tell the guys to keep their chin up and prepare for the next one.”

Winning skipper, Sanju Samson said:

“It was a full-toss and the batsman wanted a no-ball, but the umpire didn’t give it. We wanted to be around him (McCoy) and wanted to put a smile on his face. Not easy for a bowler after conceding three sixes. We wanted to change the plan so we took our time, to give the bowler a breather. The last game was a tough one, and this game too, with Powell hitting those sixes. It’s important to stay calm and trust your team-mates. You need to back yourself. Can’t say anything about the toss. Losing toss is working, so we’ll like to stick to that. Don’t think there was much dew, but the bowlers are experienced enough to bowl in these conditions. Ashwin and Chahal have been bowling well, touch wood we continue to do it. It is normal to drop catches, even I dropped one in the last match. I told the players how to recover from that in the team meeting. He (Buttler) has been playing well, and that’s a crucial part in this format. DDP is a smart cricketer and there’s a lot more to come from him.”

Player of the Match, Jos Buttler said: