Royals down Daredevils

Kevin Pietersen: Made only 14 as Delhi slipped to fourth defeat of competition

Rajasthan Royals beat the Delhi Daredevils by seven wickets on Saturday to stay in touch with Chennai and King’s XI Punjab at the top of the Indian Premier League table.

Karun Nair starred for Royals (156-3) as he struck an unbeaten 73 to guide them past their victory target, with Delhi having earlier posted 152-5 from their 20 overs.

Kevin Pieresen once again failed to make much impact for the Daredevils as he contributed just 14 from 15 balls before being caught by Steven Smith off the bowling of Pravin Tambe.

South Africans Quinto de Kock (43) and JP Duminy (39) proved the mainstays of the Delhi innings, although Kedar Jadhav injected some late momentum as he blasted 28 from 14 balls including two sixes.

But opener Nair helped the Royals pace their run-chase to perfection as he struck eight boundaries and two maximums during a stylish knock.

Sanju Samson (34) offered fine support as the duo put on 51 in a little over seven overs for the second wicket.

Australian Shane Watson (16 not out) helped get Rajasthan over the line but, fittingly, it was down to Nair to strike the winning runs, the youngster hitting a four to clinch victory with nine balls to spare.

It means the Royals have now won four of their six matches and are just two points behind the leaders, while Delhi have lost in four of their six outings.