In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out Gujarat Titans (GT) by a narrow four-run margin, defending a challenging total of 224 for 4.
DC’s innings got off to a shaky start as Sandeep Warrier’s incisive bowling reduced them to 44 for 3 in the powerplay. However, Rishabh Pant (88* off 43) and Axar Patel (66 off 35) staged a remarkable recovery, guiding DC to a formidable total.
GT’s chase began promisingly with B Sai Sudharsan (65) and David Miller (55) striking quick fifties. Their partnership kept GT within striking distance, but the loss of wickets in the middle overs slowed their progress.
With 73 runs required off 24 balls, Miller launched a late assault on Anrich Nortje, smashing three sixes and a four in the 17th over. However, Mukesh Kumar dismissed Miller in the 18th over, giving DC a glimmer of hope.
In a tense final over, Rashid Khan nearly pulled off an improbable victory for GT. He smashed two fours off the first two balls and a six off the penultimate delivery. But Mukesh held his nerve, delivering a full ball that Rashid could not clear the boundary.
Axar Patel played a crucial role for DC, not only with his batting but also with his fielding and bowling. He took three catches and a wicket, while Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 29) also impressed with his spin bowling.
