New Delhi: Delhi Capitals’ chase of a formidable 205-run target was marked by early setbacks, a fighting half-century from Faf du Plessis and a dramatic collapse triggered by Sunil Narine’s incisive spin bowling, leading to a comprehensive 14-run victory for Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
KKR earlier did well to get to 204/9, an innings marked by a blistering Powerplay, a faltering middle period and a late fightback.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!During DC’s chase, left-arm spinner Anukul Roy, trusted with the new ball by KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, struck early to dismiss opener Abishek Porel, putting the team on the back foot almost immediately. Next in, Karun Nair couldn’t step on the gas and was trapped in front by pacer Vaibhav Arora for 15. The early losses meant the Capitals could not fully capitalize on the Powerplay.
KL Rahul, who has been a key figure for Delhi this season, was run out after a sharp piece of fielding, again from Narine, further denting DC’s hopes.
Despite the early setbacks, Faf du Plessis (62 off 45b; 7x4, 2x6) held the innings together. He played a counterattacking knock and provided the Capitals with a glimmer of hope. His aggressive intent, combined with occasional boundaries, kept the required run rate within reach for a while. Du Plessis found an able ally in Axar Patel (43 off 23b; 4x4, 3x6) and the duo added 76 runs for the fourth wicket.
The turning point of the innings came in the 14th over, when Sunil Narine struck twice in quick succession. He first removed Axar, caught at extra-cover by Harshit Rana, and then castled Tristan Stubbs in the same over, breaking the back of Delhi’s chase. At the end of the 14th over, Delhi were 138/5, still needing 67 from six overs.
Who's that IPL player?Narine then got the set batsman Du Plessis, caught at deep mid-wicket by Rinku Singh, in his next over. The wicket snuffed out any remaining hopes the home team may have had. The DC lower order tried their best to keep the chase alive but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Earlier, KKR openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine started on an aggressive note. The pair capitalized on a true surface and short boundaries, racing to 33 runs in the first two overs, including a 25-run over off Dushmantha Chameera, where Narine and Gurbaz both found the fence and cleared it with ease.
Gurbaz continued his assault and dispatched two boundaries and a six in the third over off Mitchell Starc, helping KKR reach 48/0 in 2.5 overs.
By the end of the Powerplay, KKR had amassed 79/1, losing only Gurbaz (26 off 12b; 5x4, 1x6), who was dismissed by Starc after a brisk cameo.
The introduction of spin brought a shift in momentum. First, leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam trapped Narine (27 off 16b; 2x4, 2x6) leg-before, breaking a threatening stand between him and Rahane. In the next over, Axar Patel had Rahane (26 off 14b; 4x4, 1x6) LBW.
Hindol Basu is a Principal Correspondent with the The Times of In...
Read MoreHindol Basu is a Principal Correspondent with the The Times of India. Over the years, as a sports journalist, Hindol has covered important events like the 2012 London Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Hindol has had a diverse profile having worked in all forms of media - TV, Radio, New Media and Print. Besides, being an avid blogger, Hindol plays the guitar, writes poetry and is interested in photography.
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