In an electrifying encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a vital 19-run victory against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 64 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. On an impeccable batting surface, DC set an imposing total of 208 runs, showcasing a commendable team performance. Despite strong resistance from LSG’s batsmen, DC’s bowlers held their composure to secure the much-needed two points.
After winning the toss, LSG elected to bowl first, and the decision reaped immediate rewards. In the very first over, Jake Fraser-McGurk sought to dominate from the outset but only succeeded in sending a high catch to long-on off Arshad Khan, a significant early setback for DC.
Despite the initial hiccup, DC’s Abishek Porel launched a robust counter-attack. Porel’s aggressive intent was evident as he dispatched Mohsin Khan for a six through an upper-cut in the second over. Arshad’s following over saw Porel plunder 21 runs, featuring a six and three elegantly struck fours, with a splendid cover-drive standing out. Shai Hope joined the fray, taking 16 off Yudhvir Singh’s fourth over, contributing to a powerplay finale of 17 runs courtesy of Naveen-ul-Haq. Porel’s audacious flat-six over fine-leg capped off a gripping powerplay.
Following the powerplay, the scoring rate dipped slightly. Hope unfurled a striking six off Ravi Bishnoi but was dismissed soon after for 38 runs when KL Rahul held onto a tough chance at cover. During this period, Porel celebrated his fifty off just 21 balls. However, LSG engineered a partial resurgence by removing Porel for 58 in the 12th over, curtailing DC’s momentum.
The innings’ latter phase witnessed a commanding display by Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten with an explosive 57 off 25 balls. Rebuilding the innings alongside Rishabh Pant, who contributed a spirited 33 off 23 balls, was crucial. Pant entertained the crowd with his deft stroke play, including a delightful carve-through third-man off Naveen-ul-Haq. His innings ended in the 17th over.
Stubbs’s aggressive batting surged DC beyond the 200-run mark. From a position of 136 for three in 15 overs, Stubbs unleashed a flurry of boundaries off Arshad, accumulating a quick 21 in the penultimate over and achieving his fifty in just 22 balls with a towering six off Naveen. The final three overs yielded 45 runs, propelling DC to a formidable 208 for four.
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LSG’s chase faced early turbulence as veteran pacer Ishant Sharma delivered a sensational powerplay spell, claiming three pivotal wickets. He first induced a mistimed shot from KL Rahul, caught at cover. In his third over, Ishant dismissed Quinton de Kock at mid-on. Introducing Axar Patel in the fourth over paid instant dividends, with Marcus Stoinis stumped immediately. At a precarious 24 for three, LSG turned to Nicholas Pooran.
Pooran began assertively, targeting leg-side boundaries. Despite Axar’s initial breakthrough, his over was costly, conceding 20 runs with two fours and two sixes from Pooran. Ishant’s brilliance continued as he trapped Deepak Hooda leg-before off the following over’s first delivery. LSG ended the powerplay at 59 for four, with Pooran blazing away to 32 off 11 balls.
Pooran sustained the charge, regularly finding the boundary even as Ayush Badoni perished. He reached his fifty off just 20 balls. However, hopes of a miraculous chase dimmed when Pooran, attempting another big hit, was brilliantly caught low by Axar at cover off Mukesh Kumar in the 12th over. This left LSG floundering at 101 for six, steering DC closer to victory.
Amidst the chaos, Arshad Khan spearheaded LSG’s last stand, staging a remarkable resurgence. Displaying remarkable composure and power, Arshad hit boundaries with aplomb, particularly focusing on straight hits, and notched up a fifty in a mere 25 deliveries. A brief but impactful cameo from Yudhvir Singh, who scored 14 with a six and a four, provided some support.
Entering the match’s final stages, LSG required 29 runs from the last two overs with only two wickets in hand. However, the formidable DC duo of Mukesh and Rasikh Salam ensured DC’s triumph by stifling Arshad and not allowing any boundaries in the closing overs. With this victory, DC ascends to the fifth position on the points table. They will now rely on favorable results from other matches to secure a spot in the Playoffs.