Shaw, Rabada star as Delhi go top

Delhi Capitals moved to top spot riding on opener Prithvi Shaw's half-century, which set up a 44-run win over Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League match at the Dubai International Stadium yesterday.

Shaw hit 64 off 43 balls as Delhi piled on 175 for three after Chennai skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to field.

His innings was studded with nine fours and a six, and he was ably supported by opening partner Shikhar Dhawan (35 off 27 balls) in a 94-run stand in just 10.4 overs.

After Shaw followed Dhawan with the score on 103 for two, Rishabh Pant took over with an unbeaten 37 to help propel the total to a fighting one. Chennai's leg-spinner Piyush Chawla took two for 33.

In defence of 175 for three, Delhi pacer Kagiso Rabada's three for 26 in four overs helped ensure that Chennai's innings never truly threatened the target.

Faf du Plessis top-scored with 43, but other than Kedar Jadhav, who hit 26, none of the other Chennai batsmen crossed 20 as they ended on a mediocre 131 for seven.

Anrich Nortje picked up two for 21 and Axar Patel one for 18 for Delhi, for whom it was the second win in as many matches.