IPL: Revised target against Rajasthan was tough, says Gambhir
Jaipur, April 12: Delhi Daredevils skipper Gautam Gambhir feels that the revised target handed to his side during the rain-hit Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Rajasthan Royals was stiff to chase with just two overs of powerplay.
Chasing a revised target of 70 runs in six overs via the Duckworth-Lewis Method in a rain-truncated clash on Wednesday, Delhi had to suffer a 10-run defeat against hosts Rajasthan.
Earlier, Rajasthan rode Rahane's 45 to get to 153/5 when the skies opened up in the 17th over.
"We were very much in the game. It was a beautiful wicket to bat on, then 150-odd for 5 in 18 overs, we thought we could contain them to 170 and it was chaseable, especially with dew coming in later on," Gambhir said after the match.
"We were very much happy with the first innings. But then in 6 overs, 71 was tough. We had to go from ball one. Obviously with these sort of games, things could go either way. Just 2 overs of Powerplay, it's very difficult," the southpaw added.
"If it was a 20-over game, it would've been much easier to chase."
On the other hand, Sanju Samson, who was adjudged Man of the Match for for his quick 22-ball 37, expressed pleasure on his team's first win in the tournament.
"Feels really amazing. We wanted a win badly at our home ground and it feels good to get our first win of the season," the 23-year-old said.
"I think it's about the preparation, we had about 4 camps before the IPL and an excellent support staff who give us lot of freedom," he added.
Delhi will now face three-time champions Mumbai Indians in an away fixture on April 14 while Rajasthan will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru a day later.
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Araijeet's four goals hand India 5th title in men's junior Asia Cup
Muscat, Dec 4: Araijeet Singh Hundal slammed four goals as defending champions India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in the summit clash to win a hat-trick of titles in the men's junior Asia Cup here on Wednesday.
This was India's fifth title in the continental tournament, having previously won the crown in 2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023.
The tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Araijeet converted three penalty corners in the fourth, 18th and 54th minutes besides finding the net from a field effort in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh (19th) was the other goal getter for India.
For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan (30th, 39th) converted two penalty corners, while Hannan Shahid scored from field play in the third minute.
Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the third spot earlier in the day.
There was hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides as both India and Pakistan fought hard for ball possession in the first quarter.
The highlight of the first quarter was ariel passes employed by both the teams.
But Pakistan had the first laugh, striking as early as the third minute through a field goal from Shahid.
India didn't sit back and secured their first penalty corner seconds later, and Araijeet stepped up to draw level with a powerful drag-flick to the right of Pakistan goalkeeper.
India upped their game in the second quarter and secured their second penalty corner in the 18th minute and Araijeet struck again with another powerful flick.
A minute later, a fine field goal by Dilraj extended India's lead to 3-1.
Pakistan, however, reduced the margin in the 30th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Sufyan.
Pakistan were the better side on display after the change of ends and they drew level in the 39th minute through another penalty corner conversion by Sufyan.
India secured their third penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Araijeet's effort was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua.
Araijeet, however, was not to be denied his hat-trick as he found the net from a field effort seconds later to hand India the lead again.
India pressed hard on the Pakistan citadel in the final 10 minutes and secured a few more penalty corners and Araijeet found the net again from a fine variation to make the scoreline 5-3.
