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Mitchell Starc took 3-40 on his IPL return to help Delhi Capitals secure a key win and stay in playoff contention.
Mitchell Starc marked his return to IPL action with a decisive spell for Delhi Capitals, helping secure a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring contest in Jaipur.
Playing his first competitive match in more than three months, Starc endured a mixed start at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. His opening delivery, clocked at 142kph, was pulled for six by Yashasvi Jaiswal, but he responded quickly, inducing a mistimed shot from the same batter to claim his first wicket.
The left-arm quick found greater rhythm in his second spell, removing Ravindra Jadeja with a slower ball before dismissing Riyan Parag, who had earlier compiled 90 from 50 balls. Starc finished with figures of 3-40, underlining his impact despite some late hitting from Donovan Ferreira, who struck an unbeaten 47 from 14 deliveries as Rajasthan posted 6-225.
Delhi's chase was anchored by a strong opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul. Nissanka made 62 from 33 balls, while Rahul added 75 from 40, guiding the side to victory with five balls remaining and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Starc said the outing helped him regain match sharpness after a lay-off caused by elbow and shoulder injuries. He noted he had only resumed bowling to batters days earlier and viewed the performance as a positive step in rebuilding rhythm.
Delhi entered the match with five losses from eight games, making the result significant in the context of the standings. Captain Axar Patel praised Starc's return, highlighting the value of his experience and ability to deliver under pressure after an extended break.