Delhi tops the points table with a resplendent win, Axar being the hero!

Delhi Capitals, despite narrow chase till the final over of the game, procured a three-wicket win with just two balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday.

Both Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals have qualified as both teams have enjoyed excellent seasons respectively. However, this doesn’t mean the 50th match of IPL 2021 isn’t an important one. Victory for DC here confirms the top finish on the 5th. Also, this is a great opportunity for both teams to build momentum and confidence ahead of the playoffs and improvise on their weakness.

Just as he showed his charisma against Mumbai Indians, Axar (2/18) struck again with his brilliantly accurate left-arm spin, bagging the key wickets of Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali to restrict CSK’s win. Shardul Thakur wasn’t far behind taking two wickets in 13 runs. The pitch was supposed to be a factor and both teams found making runs difficult. CSK’s veteran Ambati Rayudu, unbeaten 55 to somehow make 136/5. Shikhar Dhawan (39) made good use of his fine rhythm, making a few big hits, which made the equation favourable for Delhi. But the Super Kings kept trying and their tenacity paid off as Delhi all of a sudden required 28 off the last three overs with two new batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Axar Patel at the crease.

Even an all-rounder like Bravo felt the pressure while bowling the final over, erring in line and length as the Capitals prevailed in spite of losing Axar Patel with still two more needed for victory. With this win, the Capitals are at the top of the table with 20 points, a pretty good birthday gift for skipper Rishabh Pant. Dhoni’s batting has just not been up to the mark recently. Even in this game, he missed too many balls at the death overs with Rayudu having to do the max scoring.

So it will be interesting to see the tactics and approach of both the teams in the upcoming games. As we know that CSK is a strong army, and will be seeking a bounce back after a narrow loss to DC, while Delhi will be coming off a hard-fought victory against the CSK.