Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 17 runs in their clash at DY Patil Sports Academy in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL). Delhi Capitals successfully defended the total of 159 runs. It was a must-win game for both teams to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. After this win, Delhi Capitals reached the fourth position in the points table.
While chasing the target of 160 runs, Jonny Bairstow gave a great start to Punjab Kings in the powerplay. Bairstow played a fiery knock of 28 runs in 15 balls. But he couldn’t convert it into a big one as he was dismissed by Anrich Nortje. Soon, Punjab Kings lost two wickets in the single over of Shardul Thakur.
Bhanuka Rajapaksha and Shikhar Dhawan were dismissed in the last over of Powerplay by Thakur. Captain Mayank Agarwal couldn’t open his account as he was bowled out by Axar Patel. Livingstone had a lot of expectations on his shoulders to take Punjab home. But he failed to create his impact today and scored just 3 runs.
Kuldeep Yadav bowled a brilliant googly to deceive Liam Livingstone. Jitesh Sharma was the only batsman for Punjab who fought till the end and gave hope to Punjab in the run-chase. He played an impactful knock of 44 runs in 34 balls, but it wasn’t enough to win the game. Thakur grabbed four crucial wickets which helped DC defend the target.
Meanwhile, fans took the opportunity to trot Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who were displaced from the top four. RCB will now have to look forward to Mumbai Indians (MI) for a place in the playoffs.
Here are some of the top Twitter reactions from this match:
https://twitter.com/prateek_anand9/status/1526267511708057601?s=20&t=pkhqfAS_JPDprz4QIW8e4g
State of RCB fans.
Blabber Ee saal slogan whol season, put RCB dp to show loyalty & support, abuse & criticize other teams to prove greatness.
But what in return? Sleepless nights, scary dreams, support to rivals & rooting for them, over dependency on opponent.
Hurting 😢😪 https://t.co/cl70n8mMJj— N∩⋊∩⊥ (@InfIniTeEntr0py) May 16, 2022
After seeing @RCBTweets support in @mipaltan next match.😂😂
Jst playoffs things 😭🥺 pic.twitter.com/Kw9Tr50vGq
— Nandiinii ♡ (@nandiinii75) May 16, 2022
Royal Choking Buffoons for a reason! 🔥 #RCB #IPL2022 https://t.co/C994Oo0oKT
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) May 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/mufaddal_v0hra/status/1526259135959904258?s=20&t=zowsBk_7UycHpG7tQk4MBA
Punjab saw DC's net run rate might be more challenging for RCB than their own and started bottling the match.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) May 16, 2022
Shardul Thakur took 4 wickets in the last 15 balls – Lord for Delhi.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 16, 2022
No problem Jitesh. You have fought hard, top effort from him to even bring Punjab this close.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 16, 2022
Liam Livingstone is just the perfect modern T20 cricketer. Bats anywhere, hits long, on a day like today can give you 4 overs turning the ball away from right and left handers, fields well in the deep. Have to be multi-skilled
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 16, 2022
A pat on the back from Kuldeep Yadav to Jitesh Sharma who played an excellent knock at the toughest position. He kept Punjab in the game, superb stuff by Jitesh. pic.twitter.com/dQpKRTqCHI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 16, 2022
Y no hype for Jitesh Sharma In India's Squad?
If Tilak Can Make It Then He Deserves As Well— Pratik 🪄 (@122mlongsix) May 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/Joydip30406345/status/1526259663565729792?s=20&t=zowsBk_7UycHpG7tQk4MBA
Mumbai and Ambani literally have 1 job now🙏🙏 but for that RCB need to win a game too, that looks more tough😭
— Pranjal (@Pranjal_one8) May 16, 2022
All RCB and Virat Kohli fans are praying for Mumbai Indians win whom they troll all the time, IPL can show you anything. 😂🔥
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) May 16, 2022
me and bois discussing how RCB can still make into playoffs pic.twitter.com/VLbafMXoE5
— sudhanshu' (@whoshud) May 16, 2022
Mitchell Marsh continues his red hot form to help Delhi Capitals score 159 runs
After being invited to bat first, Delhi didn’t get the start they desired. David Warner was dismissed on the first ball of the match by Livingstone. However, Sarfaraz Khan played an impactful knock of 32 runs in 16 balls which brought the momentum back towards Delhi. Arshdeep Singh took the important wicket of Sarfaraz to put a brake on his innings.
Lalit Yadav also couldn’t score much. Captain Rishabh Pant was dismissed on the score of seven runs after playing a reckless shot against Liam Livingstone. Delhi needed good stability in the middle and Mitchell Marsh provided it.
He scored 63 runs in 48 balls to help Delhi Capitals reach a total of 159 runs while batting first on a slow pitch which was enough to seal a win.
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