source : BCCI
Delhi Capitals (DC) closed the gap with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL standings with an impressive eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). LSG, after a strong start, were unable to capitalize, finishing with just 159 for 6, thanks to a stellar four-wicket performance from Mukesh Kumar. The pacer took 4 for 33, including vital breakthroughs that dismantled LSG’s middle and lower order after they were cruising at 87 for 0 in the tenth over.
Aiden Markram played a key role in LSG’s initial momentum, scoring 52 off 33 balls, but his dismissal, along with others, slowed down the run rate significantly. Mitchell Marsh contributed with 45, but the game-changing moment came when Mukesh Kumar’s reverse swing and accurate yorkers took control of the innings. He claimed Marsh’s wicket and then bowled a brilliant final over, dismissing Ayush Badoni and Rishabh Pant.
Pant’s strange batting position at No. 7, where he came in at 159 for 6 with just two balls left, made little impact, as he was dismissed for a duck. LSG’s total of 159 was well below par, especially with their top-order collapse. Despite Badoni’s quick 36 off 21 balls, the required runs were too much for the visitors to defend.
DC’s chase was led by KL Rahul, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 57*, his third half-century of the season. Rahul’s composed batting not only guided DC towards the target but also saw him become the fastest player to reach 5000 IPL runs. His partnership with Abishek Porel, who made 51 off 36 balls, helped stabilize the chase after DC lost Karun Nair early on.
Axar Patel’s quick-fire 34* from No. 4 sealed the deal for DC, as they reached 160 with 13 balls to spare. The win not only brought them closer to Gujarat Titans in the points table but also showcased Rahul’s leadership and Mukesh’s bowling mastery, continuing their fine run in the tournament.
