What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals on Wednesday routed Punjab Kings by nine wickets in match 32 of the Indian Premier League 2022 to register their third win, out of six matches, of the tournament.
After being asked to bat by Delhi captain Risbabh Pant, Punjab batsmen put up an exceedingly poor show. Shikhar Dhawan, captain Mayank Agarwal and Liam Livingstone were ripped out in the Powerplay, while Jonny Bairstow fell in the seventh over.
From 54-4, Punjav could not recover and their batsmen threw in the towel. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was the only one who offered some resolve and made 32 runs off 23 balls. In the end, Punjab were bowled out for 115 in 20 overs. All Delhi bowlers bowled with aplomb and strangled Punjab batsmen. Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Lalit Yadav and Khalil Ahmed chalked up two wickets apiece.
Chasing 116, Delhi openers Prithvi Shaw and David Warner went berserk and put together a partnership of 83 runs in just 6.3 overs. Both Shaw and Warner looked in imperious form and unleashed mayhem. Shaw thumped seven boundaries and a six to score 40 runs off just 21 balls before he was snared by leg-spinner Rahul Chahar.
Warner remained unbeaten for 60 as Delhi chased down the target im just 10.3 overs to seal a nine-wicket win. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged Man of the Match.
“I would like to share this award with Axar. He bowled well and took important wickets in the middle. I have played a lot against KG (Rabada) and I know he does not move his feet much, my plan was to bowl one chinaman and then the googly. The second wicket was due to Rishabh telling me to bowl from round the wicket. To be very honest, I have got plenty of confidence this season and I am also mentally clear with my role,” Kuldeep said after the match.
“I just focus on my line and length and not on what the batter is going to do. I don’t watch videos now. When you are very confused you watch videos to see what a batter might do. I am enjoying my bowling after a long time and the credit goes to Rishabh for backing me,” he added.
Punjab captain Mayank said it was a tough day for the team and they would like to forget this match and move on.
“It’s a day to forget for us. I think it’s best to move on and not think too much into the game. We didn’t bat and bowl well. We have been losing too many wickets too early, that’s a concern. Don’t want to dwell too much, if we do so, a lot of negatives will come out. A total of around 180 could have been competitive. In hindsight, I could have given a couple of overs early to the spinners, but I didn’t do so,” he stated.
