MUMBAI, May 30: Rajasthan Royals were at their aggressive best as they set up a stiff 193-run target in the first semi-final of the Indian Premier League against Delhi Daredevils on Friday.

After a flying start by the openers, Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan helped Jaipur post an impressive 192-9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Though Delhi managed regular breakthroughs but they could not halt Jaipur’s surge, who never allowed the scoring-rate to sag. And it was once again Jaipur’s men-in-form who came good in the crunch game. Graeme Smith (26), Swapnil Asnodkar (39), Watson (52) and Pathan (45), all came to the party at a belter in Wankhede to give Delhi a mountain to climb.

Smith pulled a hamstring while taking a quick run and was almost run out. But the injury turned to be a boon for Jaipur as the southpaw opened his shoulders to smash the Delhi attack.

Asnodkar from the other end was his blazing self, manufacturing some of the most astounding shots. Even the ever-reliable Glenn McGrath was taken to the cleaners as Smith bludgeoned three consecutive boundaries in the Aussie’s third over. Asnodkar after being dropped by Farveez Maharoof off Yo Mahesh’s first ball smacked the first six of the game two deliveries later.

And just when it seemed the Jaipur openers will run away with the game, Maharoof redeemed himself for the dropped catch.

With bowlers getting flayed all over, it took brilliance in the field for Delhi to bounce back in the game. Smith’s cameo came to an end when Shikhar Dhawan took a blinder in the deep and one ball later Asnodkar’s fierce square-cut sent the ball right down throat of Manoj Tiwary.

Jaipur’s surprise move to send Sohail Tanvir (five) failed as the Pakistan player could manage only one lusty blow before he became Maharoof’s third victim. But Delhi lost the momentum as quickly as they had gained it. Watson came to the middle with all guns blazing. The all-rounder in a space of two overs pounded three towering sixes as Delhi bowlers ran for cover.

After Kaif was bowled by Amit Mishra for 12, Pathan joined Watson and from there began a tremendous surge by Jaipur. The duo went for everything with not the slightest of inhibition in their batting.

Pathan was at his powerful best, striking the ball as cleanly as ever and clearing the boundary ropes with far too much ease for Virender Sehwag’s comfort.

With Jaipur piling on the runs, Watson went on the all-attack mode and after a 28-ball 52, Mishra finally cleaned up the Aussie. But Pathan was in no mood to relent, his willow continuing to flourish. The hard-hitting player hit three boundaries and four sixes till he was run out in the last over of the innings. —Agencies

Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Daredevils by 105 runs to reach the final.