By defeating Lucknow Super Giants by 19 runs, the Delhi Capitals managed to stay in the running for the IPL 2024 playoffs. But they played into the last over in a match that they ought to have finished far sooner, which might endanger their chances of qualifying. Once again, LSG had a terrible day at the bat. They lost a number of wickets early on, and Delhi did not take advantage of this, which may have increased their net run rate and increased their chances of qualifying. That didn’t happen, though, as DC is still fifth in the standings and will now need a miracle to advance.
The visiting team gained a lot of momentum after LSG, who were batting first, removed Jake Fraser-McGurk in the opening over. But Abishek Porel and Shai Hope persisted, allowing Delhi to stay in the contest. Abishek, in particular, was a boundary hitter, scoring 58 runs off of 33 deliveries.
Following his stroll back to the pavilion, Delhi Capitals amassed 208 runs in the first innings thanks to another outstanding performance from Tristan Stubbs, who scored 57* runs off 25 balls.
LSG lost wickets throughout the chase like a house of cards. But Nicholas Pooran, a West Indies international who scored 61 runs off of 27 deliveries, kept them in the game as long as he could. It appeared like the LSG innings was finished when he was removed off the field, but Arshad Khan entered the field and scored 58* runs off of 33 balls to put more pressure on DC. He was unable to help LSG overcome the obstacle, though, as they are currently in danger of missing the playoffs.
1. Abishek Porel: the tournament’s best find?
Maybe the best find of the competition is Abishek Porel. The young player has been outstanding in the current IPL 2024, scoring runs without sacrificing his strike rate. The Bengal cricketer was crucial to DC at that point in the match as he made 58 runs against LSG, when the team needed a good start.
2. Tristan Stubbs, Mr. Crunch
Delhi hasn’t had the best of times in the IPL 2024, but Tristan Stubbs has been excellent for the team, making several clutch knocks. Stubbs caused mayhem and smashed 57 runs to assist Delhi surpass the 200-run threshold in a game that they had to win, which was crucial for the squad.
Also Read: The BCCI is deliberating over the selection of Stephen Fleming to lead Team India.
3. The captivating charm of Ishant Sharma
In the powerplay, Ishant Sharma claimed three wickets, which may have been the difference between DC and LSG. The seasoned bowler was named Player of the Match after taking out KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Deepak Hooda during the powerplay while conceding only 34 runs in his four overs.
Losing skipper KL Rahul said:
I feel the wicket remained the same throughout the 40 overs. When we got JFM out in the first over we should have capitalized, but they – Hope and Porel – showed a lot of intent. We did well at the back end and 200 was a par total, we should have chased it down. This has been a problem right through the season – we keep losing a lot of wickets in the powerplay, we never get a solid start to get the likes of Stoinis and Pooran in, that is the big reason why we are in this position
Winning skipper Rishabh Pant said:
Definitely Pooran was giving us a hard time. We had certain plans. The total was good enough. We kept on bowling good balls. I would say the start of the season was with a lot of hopes. Some injuries. We are still in contention even after the last game. We had a better chance of qualifying if I would have had a chance to play in the last game. Personally, it was fantastic to come back. Was heartening to see the support from entire India. Was a long time to wait after one-and-a-half years. I want to be on the field all the time. Don’t want to miss any action.
POTM Ishant Sharma said:
The last few games I was trying to bowl a knuckle ball. Even in the last game I got Virat out and today KL. I don’t think much. I take it as it comes everyday. If my body is alright, I should thank Patrick [Farhart]. I had some injuries. After the defeats, we were positive and there was belief as well. If you win close games, it gives you confidence to take the momentum forward.
India
