Mitchell Starc’s stellar T20 performance propelled Delhi Capitals (DC) to their second consecutive victory in Vizag, as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) aggressive approach backfired once again.
Faf du Plessis led the chase with a composed half-century, and despite Zeeshan Ansari’s impactful three-wicket burst on his T20 return after six years, DC’s solid 81-run opening partnership paved the way for a comfortable win in 16 overs with seven wickets to spare.
As a result, Aniket Verma’s explosive 74 off 41 balls, featuring dominant strokes against Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, was overshadowed, with SRH suffering their second straight defeat.
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Starc Strikes as Head Falls in the Duel
Just like in last year’s IPL final, Mitchell Starc was lethal with the ball, though he had some assistance along the way. Abhishek Sharma ran himself out in the opening over, Ishan Kishan edged one to deep third, and local talent Nitish Reddy mistimed a slow off-cutter to mid-on.
The much-anticipated duel between Travis Head and Starc was shaping up to be a thrilling sub-plot. Head initially took the upper hand with back-to-back boundaries, but as wickets tumbled, Axar Patel’s decision to persist with Starc for a third over paid off. Head’s attempted ramp shot ended in KL Rahul’s gloves, leaving SRH struggling at 37 for 4 in the fifth over.
Aniket and Klaasen Spark SRH’s Fightback
Aniket, just three T20s into his career, showcased why SRH place such confidence in him. The 23-year-old played a blistering knock of 74 off 41 balls, anchoring the innings with five fours and six sixes. His crucial 77-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen off just 40 deliveries helped revive SRH after Starc’s early havoc.
However, Aniket had his share of luck. In the fourth over, he survived a run-out scare when Tristan Stubbs missed a direct hit. Two overs later, Axar Patel induced a leading edge, but Abishek Porel failed to hold on at extra cover.
Aniket capitalized on these lifelines, smashing Axar for consecutive sixes. Klaasen, too, took the attack to Starc with a stylish whip for six. But just as SRH sought stability, Mohit Sharma dismissed Klaasen, thanks to a brilliant running catch by Vipraj Nigam at point, leaving SRH at 114 for 5 in the 11th over.
Kuldeep Shines Before Starc Seals the Deal
SRH’s lower order was tested but ultimately crumbled against DC’s spinners. Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role, dismissing Abhinav Manohar, who sliced one to long-off, and Pat Cummins, who found the lone fielder at deep midwicket.
Aniket tried to mount a late surge, smashing Axar Patel for 4, 6, 6 to kick off the 16th over. However, DC’s sharp fielding proved decisive—Fraser-McGurk’s athletic grab at deep midwicket and Axar’s smart work at mid-off helped wrap up the innings with eight deliveries left unused.
Du Plessis Takes Charge
While Fraser-McGurk’s powerplay heroics were a hallmark of DC’s success last season, he found it tough to get going this time. However, Faf du Plessis ensured the momentum never dipped, cruising to a 26-ball half-century during an authoritative 81-run opening stand.
Du Plessis wasted no time, taking on Abhishek Sharma early and punishing Pat Cummins whenever he strayed in length, setting the perfect foundation for DC’s chase.
Ansari Strikes, but Porel Steers DC to Victory
Making his T20 comeback after five years, Zeeshan Ansari showcased why he was the leading wicket-taker in the recent UP T20 League. Despite a shaky start with half-trackers, he found his rhythm, dismissing Faf du Plessis with a mistimed shot to long-on and Fraser-McGurk with a return catch—either side of a flurry of boundaries.
In his first innings for DC, KL Rahul made an instant impact, taking on Mohammed Shami with a towering six over deep midwicket and a crisp four over the infield. However, Ansari had the last laugh, bowling Rahul around his legs for his third wicket. Despite the setbacks, Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs stitched together an unbeaten 51-run stand off just 28 balls, ensuring DC cruised to victory without further trouble.
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FAQs
How did Mitchell Starc impact DC’s win against SRH?
Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell dismantled SRH’s top order, including the key dismissal of Travis Head, helping DC secure their second consecutive victory.
What was Aniket Verma’s contribution to SRH’s innings?
Aniket Verma played a blistering knock of 74 off 41 balls, forming a crucial 77-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen to revive SRH after early setbacks.
How did Kuldeep Yadav and Starc wrap up SRH’s innings?
Kuldeep Yadav took key wickets, while DC’s sharp fielding and Starc’s finishing touch ensured SRH fell short, leaving eight balls unused.
How did Faf du Plessis set the tone for DC’s chase?
Faf du Plessis smashed a quickfire 26-ball half-century, dominating Abhishek Sharma and Pat Cummins to anchor an 81-run opening stand.
What role did Zeeshan Ansari play in SRH’s fightback?
Returning to T20s after five years, Zeeshan Ansari took three key wickets, including du Plessis and KL Rahul, but DC’s middle order comfortably chased down the target.
