By BV Swagath
Rajasthan Royals have been eliminated from IPL 5 following a defeat to hosts Deccan Chargers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Rahul Dravid led Rajasthan Royals have played 15 matches and have just 14 points. Even if they win their last league match, it would not help them to get into the last four. On the other hand, it was a well earned victory for Deccan Chargers which was only the second at this venue in four years!
The victory was nicely set up by the bowlers as Deccan Chargers needed to get only 127 runs. The chase was made easier thanks to a 63-run stand for the opening wicket between Shikhar Dhawan (26 from 24 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes) and local lad Akshath Reddy (42 from 35 balls with 4 fours and a six).
The Chargers failed to sustain the momentum given by the openers as they lost a few wickets here and there. But with the target not being too huge, the Deccan Chargers got there with 8 balls to spare losing five wickets. JP Duminy played his part in the run chase with 24 from 31 balls before leaving his team within striking distance of reaching the target.
Off Spinner Ajit Chandila with 1 for 20 in 4 overs and Siddharth Trivedi with 2 for 20 in 4 overs bowled well for the Rajasthan Royals.