The Delhi Capitals got back to winning ways with a resounding six-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was pure domination from the DC boys with both the ball and bat, as Delhi cruised to a comprehensive win to secure the all important 2 points.
Skipper Axar Patel continued his impressive winning streak at the toss, calling correctly and opting to bowl first. Despite conceding 59 runs in the powerplay, Lungi Ngidi continued his excellent form, picking up the ferocious Virat Kohli on his first delivery of the match.
Following the powerplay, DC won the middle overs battle, picking up key wickets at crucial junctures. Axar and Kuldeep’s spin wizardry proved vital against the Bengaluru boys' powerful batting lineup, picking up 2 wickets apiece. Axar ended his spell producing just 18 runs and taking 2 wickets. Delhi’s pace duo of Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar bowled well too, returning figures of 2/39 and 1/32 respectively.
DC’s brilliance with the ball and superb fielding, restricted RCB to a below-par score of 175, giving the batters a chase of 176 runs to seal the win.
Although Delhi lost 3 early wickets, KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs held the fort down well, stitching together a decisive 69 run partnership to keep the run rate ticking. The birthday boy, KL Rahul treated Capitals’ fans to a special knock at his homeground, scoring 57 runs off 34 balls.
Upon KL’s dismissal, Stubbs took over the proceedings, accelerating Delhi towards a comprehensive victory. He was joined at the crease for a short period by Axar Patel whose innings was cut short due to an unfortunate injury. Stubbs’ Proteas teammate David Miller walked out to the middle to take the team over the line in a tense final few overs. In spite of the match going down to the wire, Miller kept his cool and wrapped up the proceedings in true Miller-style.
Stubbs was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his heroic performance. His 60 runs were instrumental in an overall commanding display from DC.
Delhi will look to extend their winning streak in the final leg of their Southern Tour when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday, 21st April.
