Kuldeep Yadav’s Three-Wicket Haul Leads Delhi Capitals to IPL Victory
Kuldeep Yadav’s Three-Wicket Haul Powers Delhi Capitals to Victory Over Lucknow Super Giants
Delhi Capitals’ wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav made a triumphant return to the side after a three-match absence due to a groin injury, claiming three crucial wickets in the IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants.
Yadav’s economical spell of 4-0-20-3 proved instrumental in restricting Lucknow to a modest total of 167/7. The left-arm spinner struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran on consecutive deliveries.
Stoinis’ dismissal came off a well-flighted delivery that induced a leading edge, while Pooran was bamboozled by a straighter delivery that uprooted his off stump. Yadav’s third wicket came in the form of KL Rahul, who was caught off guard by a quicker delivery and departed for 39.
Despite Yadav’s early strikes, Lucknow fought back valiantly, led by Ayush Badoni’s quick-fire unbeaten half-century. Badoni smashed 55 runs off just 35 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, to help his team recover from a precarious position.
However, Delhi’s bowlers held their nerve in the face of Badoni’s onslaught, with Shardul Thakur and Mustafizur Rahman claiming two wickets each. The Capitals’ fielding was also sharp, with Rishabh Pant taking a stunning catch to dismiss Deepak Hooda.
In the end, Delhi’s disciplined bowling and fielding proved too much for Lucknow, who fell short of their target by 10 runs. The victory was a crucial one for the Capitals, who moved up to third place in the IPL standings.