Not bowling Ashwin out probably a mistake on our behalf: Ricky Ponting

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has accepted that his team probably gave Chris Morris too many easy slot balls in the last five overs. The former Australian skipper also highlighted that it was a mistake on their part not to bowl out Ravichandran Ashwin on the night. Delhi Capitals had the upper hand over Rajasthan Royals in their second clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Not only did Chris Woakes make a considerable impact, but Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada also returned to wicket-taking form in the powerplay. Rajasthan Royals were struggling at 17/3, chasing 148.

According to Ricky Ponting, R Ashwin had bowled beautifully for his three overs. He stated that they should have been given Ashwin another over when the RR left-handers Miller and Tewatia were batting in the middle. The off-spinner had given away only 14 runs in his three overs, but oddly, Pant did not call him back for another over. He instead decided to give an over to Marcus Stoinis. The Australian all-rounder was very costly as he gave away 15 runs in an over. David Miller hit him for three boundaries. 

Ashwin worked hard on his bowling to make sure that he gets things right in the 2nd game: Ponting

Ponting further reckoned that he would sit down with the entire team when he gets a chance after the match to inquire about the reasons behind not giving Ashwin his complete over quota. The legendary Australian batsman also disclosed that the senior off-spinner had worked hard in the last couple of days after having a bad day in DC’s first match against Punjab Kings. 

Batting first, Delhi Capitals were restricted to 147 for 8. Rishabh Pant played brilliantly as he scored a 51-run fluent knock. Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat, who was making a comeback into the game, returned with excellent figures of 3 for 15 in his 4 overs. In response, the Royals were at one stage, 42 for 5. However, David Miller smashed 62 off 43 balls to revive the innings. Chris Morris also smashed 4 sixes in the last two overs to take his side home with 2 balls and 3 wickets in hand. Rajasthan Royals recorded their first victory in this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). South African all-rounder Chris Morris justified his high price tag in the late stages of the match when he hit Kagiso Rabada and Tom Curran for several sixes to take RR over the line.

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