Delhi Capitals maintained their unbeaten run in the current season of the IPL with a remarkable six-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. Having chosen to field first, DC held RCB to an underwhelming total of 163/7 in 20 overs. Despite a great start by Phil Salt (37 off 17 balls). Towards the end of the pursuit, DC had a terrible beginning since they continued losing wickets. But due to an incredible unbeaten93* off 53 balls by KL Rahul DC secured the win within 17.5 overs.
KL Rahul Shines Against Former Team in Homecoming Show
It was a night to remember for Bengaluru boy KL Rahul, who wrested the match from his previous team’s Bengaluru’s hands. Which assisted DC to secure their fourth consecutive victory. DC required 18 runs in 18 deliveries to win, when Rahul launched two sixes and a four and concluded proceedings in style.
After striking the winning six, KL Rahul displayed his aggressive nature and pounded his chest. This was done to express his dominance and familiarity with the M Chinnaswamy Ground in Bengaluru.
KL Rahul Credits Wicketkeeping Insight and Familiarity With Ground
“Was a slightly tricky wicket. What helped me was being behind the stumps for 20 overs, just watching how it played. From wicketkeeping I figured that the ball sat in the wicket a little bit but it was consistent throughout – it wasn’t two-paced, it was one paced throughout. I knew what my shots are,” said KL Rahul after the victory.
“Just wanted to get off to a good start, be aggressive initially and assess it from there. If I was trying to hit a big six, I knew what pockets to target. Wicketkeeping gave me a feeler for how the other batters played and where were they dismissed. Got lucky with the dropped catch. This is my ground, this is my home. I know this better than anybody else. Enjoyed playing here,” he added.
Tristan Stubbs Supports Rahul as DC Chase Down 164
Pursuing a moderate 164, Delhi Capitals struggled initially but Rahul’s calm knock of 53 balls with six sixes and seven fours proved sufficient for his team.
Tristan Stubbs also contributed importantly with his 38 not out off 23 balls. Experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled an economical spell of 4-0-26-2 for RCB but they simply had insufficient runs on the board.
Earlier, Phil Salt’s pyrotechnics (37 from 17 balls) and Tim David’s last-ball 20-ball 37 not out had propelled a troubled RCB to 163 for seven in 20 overs.