In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Delhi Capitals (DC) managed to outplay the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 19 runs during Match 64 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The win was marked by an excellent all-around team performance, ensuring DC added two crucial points to their tally and remained in contention for a playoff spot.
The match began with LSG winning the toss and opting to field first. This decision seemed to yield immediate results as the explosive opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed in the first over by Arshad Khan. Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive style, attempted to launch a big shot but only managed to sky it high to long-on, where he was caught in the deep, setting DC early on the backfoot.
However, Abishek Porel brought a breath of fresh air and counter-attacked with gusto. Showcasing his sublime stroke play, he began the onslaught with an upper-cut for six off Mohsin Khan in the second over. His fireworks continued in Arshad’s next over, where he amassed 21 runs, including a splendid cover drive. Shai Hope joined the action, punishing Yudhvir Singh in the fourth over with a quick succession of boundaries. DC’s powerplay ended on a high note, having accumulated 86 runs for the loss of one wicket, thanks to Porel’s controlled aggression.
The post-powerplay period saw the run-rate drop a bit. Shai Hope, contributing a solid 38 off 27 balls, tried to keep the momentum but fell to Ravi Bishnoi while attempting a lofted shot over cover. Rahul’s impressive catch, even after a fumble, sealed Hope’s fate. Meanwhile, Porel, continuing his brilliant form, reached his half-century in just 21 balls, although LSG did manage to pull things back, getting Porel out for 58 in the 12th over—a key moment that threatened to shift the momentum.
Tristan Stubbs then took control of DC’s innings. Scoring an unbeaten 57 off just 25 deliveries, Stubbs anchored the latter part of the innings, building a crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant, who contributed a crafty 33 off 23 balls. Pant’s innings was punctuated with innovative shots, particularly memorable was his deft four through third-man off Naveen-ul-Haq. Despite Pant’s dismissal in the 17th over, Stubbs kept the score ticking. By the end of the 15th over, DC were well-placed at 136 for three, but Stubbs’s late blitz, including a six off Naveen-ul-Haq to reach his fifty, ensured DC finished strong at 208 for four. The last three overs yielded 45 invaluable runs, setting a challenging target for LSG.
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LSG’s chase got off to a rocky start, courtesy of veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, who delivered a spellbinding performance in the powerplay. He dismissed KL Rahul, inducing a mis-timed shot that was caught at cover. In his next over, Quinton de Kock was dismissed, caught at mid-on attempting another big hit. Axar Patel, introduced in the fourth over, immediately made an impact, stumping Marcus Stoinis.
At 24 for three, LSG found themselves in deep trouble. Nicholas Pooran, however, reignited their hopes with a smashing start, targeting the leg-side boundaries. He showcased his prowess immediately, taking 20 off Axar’s over with two fours and two sixes. However, Ishant Sharma struck again, trapping Deepak Hooda leg-before with his first ball in the next over. By the end of the powerplay, LSG had 59 runs but had lost four crucial wickets.
Nicholas Pooran continued his onslaught, hitting regular boundaries to keep LSG within touching distance of the target. He raced to his fifty off just 20 balls, anchoring the hope for a potential miraculous chase. However, Pooran’s dismissal in the 12th over, a brilliant low catch by Axar Patel off Mukesh Kumar, was a turning point. With LSG at 101 for six, DC smelled victory.
Despite this, the match had another thrilling twist as Arshad Khan played a match-resurrecting innings. Targeting the straight boundaries with ferocity, he reached a sparkling 25-ball fifty, supported by Yudhvir Singh’s brief, impactful cameo of 14 runs, which included a six and a four.
The tension peaked when LSG needed 29 off the last two overs with only two wickets in hand. Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Salam, however, executed their plans to perfection, maintaining composure and not allowing any boundaries. Their disciplined bowling secured the victory for DC as they closed out the game with LSG finishing short at 189 for eight.
This dramatic victory has moved Delhi Capitals to the fifth position on the IPL points table. As the tournament moves towards its final stages, DC will be hoping for favorable outcomes in other matches to bolster their chances of making it to the playoffs.