Dinesh Karthik's half-century helped the Delhi Daredevils to a 67-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Taking first strike on their home ground, the Daredevils had wobbled at the top only to be rescued by a fine 69 from Karthik and a solid 43 from skipper Gautam Gambhir.

Set a formidable 189 for victory, the Royals lost early wickets and were never in the hunt before being skittled out for 121 inside 18 overs.

The Daredevils move to second place in the table with five wins in eight matches.

The Royals had chipped away at the start and had bowled themselves into a strong position before Karthik took the game away from them.

Opener David Warner, who cracked a century in the previous game against the Kolkata Knight Riders, experienced a low this time as he was snared by Sumit Narwal for just four.

Narwal, who finished with three for 36, also removed Virender Sehwag (19) in the same over as the Royals gained control.

More success came their way as Paul Collingwood - who cracked a six and a four in his brief stay - was run out for 16, while Kedar Jadhav, promoted ahead of Karthik, was Shane Warne's only victim.

The Daredevils were reeling at 67 for four, but Karthik and Gambhir reversed the tide and then built brilliantly to haul the home side back on track.

Karthik was the aggressor in a stand worth 79, smashing six boundaries and four sixes, while the left-handed Gambhir had nicely kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Gambhir eventually fell at the end of the 17th over, but Karthik merely upped the ante in the final overs as the Daredevils reached a formidable total.

The Daredevils carried their momentum into the field and the Royals suffered an early blow even before they could muster a run.

Farveez Maharoof struck twice in the first over with the new ball, removing Michael Lumb and number three batsman Faiz Fazal for ducks.

More success followed as Abhishek Jhunjhunwala was run out for two and Naman Ojha extracted by Amit Mishra for a breezy 27.

Yusuf Pathan had offered a glimmer of hope and he added 34 for the fifth wicket with Adam Voges, but his departure in the ninth over and Voges' subsequent demise ended the Royals' hopes.

Warner enjoyed a great day in the field, holding four catches and running out Warne with a direct throw from the deep.