Kolkata, 25 May (H.S.): The league stage of the Indian Premier League concluded with an emphatic victory for Delhi Capitals, who defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs in the final league match at Eden Gardens. Although both teams had already been eliminated from playoff contention, the contest still delivered intensity and entertainment.

After being asked to bat first, Delhi Capitals posted a formidable total of 203 for five in their allotted 20 overs. KL Rahul led the charge with a fluent and aggressive knock of 60 runs, playing a series of elegant strokes while maintaining a brisk scoring rate throughout his innings.

Captain Axar Patel contributed a valuable 39 runs, while David Miller (28) and Ashutosh Sharma (18) accelerated effectively in the closing overs to propel Delhi beyond the 200-run mark.

Chasing a challenging target of 204, Kolkata got off to a pressured start. Captain Ajinkya Rahane fought hard with a determined half-century, scoring 63 runs in an effort to stabilise the innings. Manish Pandey added 25, while Rovman Powell chipped in with 29, but regular wickets at the other end derailed Kolkata’s chase and left them well short of the target.

Delhi’s bowling attack remained disciplined and effective throughout the match. Lungi Ngidi and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each at crucial intervals to keep sustained pressure on Kolkata’s batting line-up. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc also made an important impact with two key dismissals.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s victory earlier in the day finalised the playoff picture. Following the result, Rajasthan secured the final playoff berth, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last four.

Although Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs, the comprehensive win in their final outing provided the team with a respectable and positive finish to their campaign.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar