Fiery Steyn sparkles

They said Dale Steyn might leak runs on the slow batting-friendly Indian pitches but he has shut his critics with stellar performances throughout this tournament. Today was another masterclass from him. He stunned the batsmen with pace even on a slow pitch that lacked bounce and varied his lengths perfectly.

It was his battle with Yusuf Pathan that was the highlight of the day. It lasted just one delivery. Much depended on Yusuf at that stage if Rajasthan were to reach a good target but he was kept quiet by a barrage of short-pitched deliveries. Some kicked up shoulder high, some reared towards his chest and some jumped just above his waist but, collectively, it was enough to keep him in check. He edged the pull shots, couldn't connect with his upper cuts and it was this stage that Steyn came on to bowl at him.

Yusuf expected a short delivery first-up and retreated well inside the crease. However, Steyn surprised him with a full delivery that curved away gently and Yusuf, rooted to his crease, couldn't get bat to ball. The off stump was pegged back and Steyn had taken the biggest wicket of the night. Rajasthan crawled on to reach 130, which was never enough to test Bangalore.