Delhi Capitals rode on the back of a whirlwind knock from skipper Rishabh Pant and a crucial contribution from Axar Patel to secure a thrilling four-run victory over Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a mammoth target of 225, Gujarat Titans fell agonizingly short despite valiant efforts from B Sai Sudharsan and David Miller.
Delhi Capitals got off to a flying start with Prithvi Shaw and Jake Fraser-McGurk striking six boundaries in the first three overs. However, Sandeep Warrier turned the tide in GT’s favor with a triple-wicket burst in the power-play, leaving DC in a spot of bother at 44/3.
But Pant and Axar steadied the DC innings, stitching together a commanding 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Axar, batting at number three, was particularly impressive, striking five fours and four sixes in his 43-ball 66. Pant, after a scratchy start, found his groove and played a magnificent knock, hitting eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6.
The duo’s onslaught rendered the GT spinners ineffective, and the DC batters continued to plunder runs in the death overs. Warrier did not bowl his final over, as DC amassed 97 runs in their last five overs.
In response, Gujarat Titans made a strong start with Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha striking boundaries at will. Sudharsan played a key role for GT, reaching his fifty in 29 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse.
Rasikh Salam was the pick of the DC bowlers, taking three crucial wickets, including those of Sudharsan and Miller. Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with a two-wicket haul.
GT required 73 runs off the last four overs, and Miller gave them a glimmer of hope with a quick-fire fifty. However, his dismissal and a tight final over from Mukesh Kumar sealed the victory for DC.
Despite the defeat, Gujarat Titans can take heart from the fighting spirit they displayed. For Delhi Capitals, the win was a crucial one in their bid to stay in contention for a playoff berth.
