DC vs LSG, IPL 2024. (Source – Getty Images)
Delhi Capitals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 19 runs and kept themselves alive in the playoffs race of the ongoing IPL 2024. However, a game that they should have wrapped much earlier, went on till the final over, which can jeopardize their qualification scenario. LSG once again had a dreadful day with the bat as they lost multiple wickets early on but Delhi failed to capitalise on that – which could have improved their net run rate and improved their qualification chances. However, that didn’t happen as DC remain fifth on the points table and now, only a miracle can help them qualify.
Batting first, LSG picked up the wicket of Jake Fraser-McGurk in the first over, which gave a lot of momentum to the visiting side. However, Abishek Porel and Shai Hope kept pushing and kept Delhi in the game. Abishek particularly dealt in boundaries as the youngster made 58 runs off 33 deliveries. After he walked back to the pavilion, Tristan Stubbs took care of the business as he once again had a phenomenal night and hit 57* runs off 25 balls to help DC post 208 runs on the board in the first innings.
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When it came to the chase, LSG’s wickets fell like a house of cards. However, Nicholas Pooran kept them in the game for the longest time possible as the West Indies international made 61 runs off 27 deliveries. After he got out, it was believed to be over for LSG but Arshad Khan came out of the syllabus, and hit 58* runs off 33 balls to keep the pressure on DC. However, he failed to help LSG get over the line as they are now almost on the verge of missing out on the playoffs.
1. Abishek Porel – the find of the tournament?
Abishek Porel is arguably the find of the tournament. The youngster has been incredible in the ongoing IPL 2024 and hasn’t compromised on his strike rate to score runs. Against LSG, when the team needed a strong start, the Bengal cricketer rose up to the occasion and made 58 runs, which was extremely vital for DC at that stage.
2. Mr Crunch Tristan Stubbs
Even though Delhi haven’t had a terrific time in IPL 2024, Tristan Stubbs has been top-notch and has played multiple decisive knocks for the franchise. In a must-win game, Stubbs wreaked havoc and smashed 57 runs to help Delhi cross the 200-run mark, which was extremely vital for the team.
3. Ishant Sharma’s charismatic spell
Ishant Sharma picked up three wickets in the powerplay, which arguably did the trick for DC against LSG. The veteran pacer picked up the wickets of KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda in the powerplay and gave away just 34 runs in his four overs for which, he was also adjudged the Player of the Match.
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Losing skipper KL Rahul said:
I feel the wicket remained the same throughout the 40 overs. When we got JFM out in the first over we should have capitalized, but they – Hope and Porel – showed a lot of intent. We did well at the back end and 200 was a par total, we should have chased it down. This has been a problem right through the season – we keep losing a lot of wickets in the powerplay, we never get a solid start to get the likes of Stoinis and Pooran in, that is the big reason why we are in this position
Winning skipper Rishabh Pant said:
Definitely Pooran was giving us a hard time. We had certain plans. The total was good enough. We kept on bowling good balls. I would say the start of the season was with a lot of hopes. Some injuries. We are still in contention even after the last game. We had a better chance of qualifying if I would have had a chance to play in the last game. Personally, it was fantastic to come back. Was heartening to see the support from entire India. Was a long time to wait after one-and-a-half years. I want to be on the field all the time. Don’t want to miss any action.
POTM Ishant Sharma said:
The last few games I was trying to bowl a knuckle ball. Even in the last game I got Virat out and today KL. I don’t think much. I take it as it comes everyday. If my body is alright, I should thank Patrick [Farhart]. I had some injuries. After the defeats, we were positive and there was belief as well. If you win close games, it gives you confidence to take the momentum forward.