In an exhilarating clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a crucial 19-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during Match 64 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. On a pitch favorable for batting, DC posted an impressive total of 208 runs, showcasing an all-around team performance. Despite a few nail-biting moments by LSG’s batters, DC’s bowling unit maintained their composure and ensured the two points were theirs.
LSG, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. This decision seemed immediately justified as Arshad Khan struck gold in the very first over. DC’s opener, Jake Fraser-McGurk, aiming for a flying start, succumbed to the pressure as he lofted the ball to long-on where a fielder was positioned perfectly to take the catch.
Although DC faced an early setback, Abishek Porel quickly mounted a counter-attack. In the subsequent overs, Porel exhibited his class with a spectacular array of shots, starting with an upper-cut for six off Mohsin Khan in the second over. Porel continued to dominate, amassing 21 runs off Arshad Khan’s subsequent over, highlighted by a magnificent cover drive. Yudhvir Singh was also targeted, conceding 16 runs in the fourth over, with Shai Hope joining Porel in the onslaught. DC concluded the powerplay on a high note, adding 17 runs off Naveen-ul-Haq with Porel striking a flat-six over fine-leg.
As the powerplay ended, the run-rate dipped slightly. Shai Hope managed 38 runs off 27 balls and treated spectators to a towering six off Ravi Bishnoi before meeting his demise while attempting another aggressive stroke, well-captured by KL Rahul on the second attempt. During this period, Porel reached his half-century off 21 balls. LSG’s bowlers took advantage of the situation, dismissing Porel for 58 runs in the 12th over, landing a heavy blow to DC’s batting line-up.
The middle overs then witnessed Tristan Stubbs taking control. Unbeaten on 57 runs off just 25 balls, Stubbs initially focused on rebuilding the innings alongside Rishabh Pant, who delivered a typically flamboyant innings of 33 off 23 balls. Pant entertained the crowd with some spectacular strokes, notably a four through third-man off Naveen-ul-Haq. However, he was dismissed in the 17th over.
Stubbs’ resilience steered DC past the 200-run mark.
. By the 15th over, DC stood at 136 for three. Targeting Arshad Khan, Stubbs smashed a six and two fours, pushing the scoreboard. The final three overs saw DC accumulate 45 runs, with the penultimate over going for 21. Stubbs completed his half-century in just 22 balls by smashing a six off Naveen-ul-Haq, propelling DC to a solid 208 for four.
The chase was turbulent for LSG as DC’s veteran bowler Ishant Sharma wreaked havoc during the powerplay, claiming three vital wickets. Rahul was the first to go, caught after a poorly executed shot. In the third over, Quinton de Kock fell to mid-on and Marcus Stoinis was stumped off Axar Patel’s first delivery in the fourth over, leaving LSG at a precarious 24 for three when Nicholas Pooran walked to the crease.
Pooran, undeterred, began targeting the leg-side boundaries. Although Axar Patel took a wicket with his first ball, his over cost 20 runs, thanks to Pooran’s aggressive strokes. Despite Ishant’s brilliant spell which saw him trap Deepak Hooda leg-before in the subsequent over, LSG managed a powerplay score of 59 runs for the loss of four wickets, with Pooran racing to 32 off 11 balls.
Pooran continued to anchor the chase, hitting regular boundaries and reaching his fifty off just 20 balls. However, an outstanding low catch by Axar Patel off Mukesh Kumar’s bowling sent Pooran back, leaving LSG teetering at 101 for six.
Despite a valiant effort from Arshad Khan, who reignited hope with his aggressive shot-making, LSG’s chances dwindled. Arshad relentlessly targeted the boundaries, moving swiftly to a 25-ball fifty, backed by a short cameo from Yudhvir Singh, who added 14 runs with a six and a four.
With 29 runs required off the last two overs and only two wickets in hand, the pressure was immense. Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Salam held their nerve, effectively curbing Arshad’s aggression and preventing any further boundaries, ultimately securing DC’s victory.
This win propels DC to the fifth spot on the points table. However, they still depend on the outcomes of other matches to secure a place in the Playoffs. With this pivotal victory, DC’s hopes remain alive in the TATA IPL 2024.