IPL 2022: We had been winning one and losing one, we wanted to change that – Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals hadn’t won two matches in a row in the ongoing IPL 2022 before their Monday clash against Punjab Kings at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai. However, they were able to change that with a 17-run victory over the Mohali-based franchise in a must-win game.

The Capitals posted a competitive score of 159 runs after Mayank Agarwal elected to field first. Mitchell Marsh played a crucial knock of 63 runs as the all-rounder continued his good form. David Warner, who has been DC’s best batter in the ongoing season, was dismissed for a golden duck whereas Sarfaraz Khan played a fine cameo of 32 runs off just 16 balls.

Delhi couldn’t get the finishing touches they would have liked as at one stage they look all set to get to a score of 180. However, their bowling battery was right on the money after PBKS were given a brisk start by Jonny Bairstow, who scored 28 from 15 balls.

Shardul Thakur struck twice in the last over of the PowerPlay and it was the turning point in the game. Subsequently, Kuldeep Yadav caught the big fish in Liam Livingstone in his spin web and bowled another superb spell of 2-14 in his three overs. Axar Patel also returned with impressive figures of 2-14 in his quota of four overs and accounted for Mayank Agarwal and Rishi Dhawan.

Thakur was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 4-36, which is his best bowling figure in the IPL history. The fast bowler took crucial wickets of Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, a well-settled Jitesh Sharma, and Kagiso Rabada.

It was a fine collective effort from Delhi Capitals and this win will surely do them a world of good. This victory takes them to the fourth spot in the points table and also boosts their chances of qualifying for the playoff stages.

Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation, “Throughout the tournament, we have been losing one, and winning one game. That’s something we wanted to change as a team and we got it. The change of pace from Livingstone was good, so it’s part and parcel of the game. Can’t be too hard on Warney (Warner) because he has been playing fantastic throughout the tournament. We saved him (Kuldeep) for the back half, then the dew came in so we didn’t want to give a massive over for someone. It’s a 50-50 call. The only process was to take it deep, with spinners getting help and we saw the same pattern happen with the other team as well. We gonna assess the wicket and see how it goes (next game). We will get to know in a few days’ time (regarding Prithvi Shaw’s injury update).”

Delhi Capitals will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday.