DC vs RR IPL 2024: “Our Fortune has changed since he joined the Playing 11,” said Ricky Ponting on Jake Fraser-McGurk, and truly, ever since McGurk got to open for Delhi Capitals, they have been a different side altogether. His brisk half-century against Rajasthan, not only kept DC alive in the tournament but achieved him a unique record in the IPL.
Asked to show their willows at the forefront, the audacious Australian showman, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and the uncapped Lefty Abhishek Porel took center stage for Delhi Capitals. Igniting the field with their explosive prowess, they blazed a trail of aggression, stitching together a tapestry of 60 runs within a mere four overs.
However, it was the fourth over that emerged as the crescendo of their performance, bowled by Avesh Khan. In a display of pure audacity, McGurk unleashed a relentless assault, plundering four boundaries and two towering sixes, leaving the opposition in a state of bewilderment. Amidst the thunderous applause, Jake Fraser-McGurk hit a lightning-fast half-century in just 19 deliveries, punctuated by a majestic six that soared into the horizon.
He got out quickly in the next over, hitting the first ball he faced from Ravichandran Ashwin straight to a fielder at extra cover.
During his time at the crease, Fraser-McGurk hit seven fours and three sixes, scoring at a swift strike rate of 250. Now, he’s got the record for the most fifties in less than 20 balls, beating players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sunil Narine, and Travis Head. He just took 7 innings to achieve the feat. He also has the best strike rate in the IPL 2024(Players with more than 100 runs).
Players with Half Centuries within 20 ball
| Player | No. of Half-Centuries (<20 Balls) |
|---|---|
| Jake Fraser-Mcgurk | 3 |
| Sunil Narine | 2 |
| KL Rahul | 2 |
| Kieron Pollard | 2 |
| Nicholas Pooran | 2 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2 |
| Travis Head | 2 |
Ponting on Jake Fraser-McGurk
Ricky Ponting said “He hasn’t surprised me with what he’s done. I had a good look at him in the BBL and knew what he was capable of.”
After his departure, Abhishek Porel took charge and beat the hell out of Rajasthan Bowlers. Tristan Stubbs at the later end displayed his powers and Delhi posted a big sum of 221 in their half.
The chase wasn’t easy for Rajasthan and good innings were expected from the openers. However, Delhi bowled brilliantly at the top and restricted the boundaries to a certain extent. Sanju Samson really played a captain’s knock and the game was in RR’s favor as long as Sanju was standing there.
A controversial catch at the boundary by Shai Hope sent Sanju back to the dugout and Delhi didn’t let the match go away then. They tightened their lines and restricted Rajasthan Royals 20 far from the target.
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