167 was never really enough to trouble the Delhi Capitals who paced their chase superbly and looked in full control throughout.
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The Delhi Capitals (DC) further strengthened their position in the top half of the points table as they comfortably defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS), after a masterful batting and bowling display that left the Punjab-based franchise in tatters. PBKS, who have lost usual skipper KL Rahul owing to health issues, had his childhood friend Mayank Agarwal step in as skipper in his place. Despite the loss, Mayank played a fantastic innings of 99 runs off just 58 deliveries. However, the rest of the PBKS batting unit faltered and they could only manage to post 166 runs on the board which was not enough against a juggernaut like Rishabh Pant’s DC. The match was won with seven wickets in hand and 2.2 overs to spare.
The Capitals’ openers lead the chase with a strong opening partnership of 63 runs in just over six overs. Prithvi Shaw scored 39 runs off just 22 deliveries while the in-form Shikhar Dhawan reached yet another half-century as he made an unbeaten 69 runs off 47 balls. Aussie batter Steve Smith played a cameo of 24 runs off 22 deliveries while skipper Rishabh Pant scored 14 runs off 11 balls. Shimron Hetmyer’s 16 off 4 deliveries at the end ensured the DC victory.
There was not much luck for the PBKS bowlers as they could only manage to pick three wickets as a unit. Harpreet Brar, Chris Jordan, and Riley Meredith picked one wicket each while conceding 19, 21, and 35 runs respectively. However, the blame should not fall on the bowling unit completely since the track was batting-friendly.
The loss of Rahul had an extremely significant impact on PBKS’ batting display, but Mayank took the reins and ensured that the side reached a respectable total. Apart from him, English international Dawid Malan played a cameo of 26 runs off 26 deliveries. No other PBKS batter could make a significant contribution as the side hobbled to 166 on a batting-friendly surface at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Capitals’ bowlers put in a fine shift as Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan and Axar Patel picked up wickets for Rishabh Pant’s men. Rabada was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Avesh Khan kept himself in contention for the Purple Cap with one wicket from his four overs while Axar Patel also picked a wicket and conceded only 21 runs in his four overs. The PBKS batting unit seemed exposed without their star opener KL Rahul and it might prove to be a massive problem for them going forward.
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