Picture Credit: X/IPL
The Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) succumbed to a crushing 67-run defeat against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in IPL 2024. The side after winning the toss, invited the Pat Cummins-led side to bat first. With the opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma unleashed their prowess to register the highest score in the powerplay in IPL history.
Moreover, the Aussie opener also became the joint-fastest to score 50 in IPL 2024. On the back of a brilliant opening partnership, the SRH posted 266 runs, which was their fourth 250-plus total of the season. In the pursuit of the 267-run target, the Rishabh Pant-led side did give a fight with the bat but fell like pack of cards as they were bundled out for 199.
Soon a fter their crushing defeat, legendary Sunil Gavaskar was seen consoling the Indian wicketkeeper-batter. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gavaskar told Pant, “I never want your head down, there are lots of games so keep a smile always.” Pant seemed to have been visibly moved by the former Indian cricketer as he said, “I will try my best sir.”
“I think powerplay was the difference. We were just catching up throughout the match. That was the massive difference. Hopefully, we will come back with more thought process and clear mindset,” Pant further added.
With the defeat, the Rishabh Pant-led DC slipped down to the seventh spot, having registered only three wins from eight games. However, on the other hand, the SRH saw they jump two places to take the second pot in the IPL standings. The DC, who played their first match at their first home in Delhi, will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 24.
