Delhi’s match-finisher produced a stunning display of sixes and fours in the final over to seal victory against Bengaluru; Rahul scored 57, Stubbs named Man of the Match
Bengaluru: Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a thrilling win against hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, clinching the match on the fifth ball of the final over. David Miller (22* off 10 balls, 2 sixes, 1 four) once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest finishers in the IPL.
Earlier on April 8 in Delhi, Miller had faced heavy criticism after he declined a run on the fifth ball of the final over against Gujarat Titans, leading to a heartbreaking one-run defeat. However, on Saturday (April 18), Miller made amends in emphatic fashion, smashing crucial boundaries in the last over to guide Delhi to a memorable win with one ball to spare, emerging as the hero for his team.
What happened in the 20th over?
Bengaluru suffered their second defeat this season and their first loss at home. Chasing a target of 176, Delhi needed 15 runs in the final over bowled by Romario Shepherd, with the score at 161/4. Tristan Stubbs was batting on 59 and Miller on 6.
The first two balls yielded just two runs (a leg-bye and a single), leaving 13 required off four balls. Miller then turned the game on its head by smashing sixes on the third and fourth deliveries, followed by a boundary on the fifth ball to seal a remarkable victory.
Stubbs remained unbeaten on 60 (47 balls, 1 six, 4 fours), while Miller finished on 22* (10 balls). Earlier in the match, Miller had also taken two catches, while Stubbs grabbed one.
Axar retires hurt on 26
Stubbs was adjudged Man of the Match. Apart from the bowlers, KL Rahul (57 off 34 balls, 2 sixes, 6 fours) and captain Axar Patel (26 retired hurt off 19 balls, 3 fours) played crucial roles in Delhi’s six-wicket win with one ball remaining. Axar had also picked up two wickets earlier in the match.
Rahul shines in his hometown
Delhi chased down 176 in 19.5 overs, finishing at 179/4, with Rahul playing a key role. A Bengaluru native and former RCB player, Rahul delivered a match-winning performance against his former side.
Behind the stumps, Rahul contributed as well, taking a catch to dismiss RCB captain Rajat Patidar (8) and effecting a run-out of Krunal Pandya (12).
Salt’s 63 takes Bengaluru to 175 Batting first, Bengaluru posted 175/8 in 20 overs. At one stage, they were well-placed at 146/4 in 15.1 overs and looked set to cross 200. However, a collapse saw wickets of Tim David, Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma fall quickly.
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Phil Salt top-scored with 63, while no other batter crossed 30. Contributions included Tim David (26), Virat Kohli (19), and Devdutt Padikkal (18).
For Delhi, Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each, while Mukesh Kumar claimed one. Krunal Pandya was run out.