Delhi Capitals Face Setback Against Gujarat Titans in IPL Clash

Axar Patel Acknowledges Titans' Dominance

After suffering a defeat to the Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals' captain Axar Patel praised the batting display of the opposing team, noting that the ball was coming off the bat well during the second innings.

Once a formidable force with five consecutive victories at the start of the tournament, DC's path to the playoffs has become increasingly challenging following a 10-wicket defeat to GT at their home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, on Sunday.

In the post-match presentation, Axar remarked, 'Their batting was outstanding. The pitch improved as the match progressed. We believed we had set a competitive score. KL (Rahul) played well, and while our bowlers put in a solid effort, we couldn't secure the win. Our batting showed promise compared to recent games, but we need to enhance our fielding and bowling during the powerplay. The ball behaved better in the second innings, unlike the first, and their ability to maintain wickets made it easier for them.'

Home Struggles for Delhi Capitals

DC's performance at home has been disappointing compared to their away games. They have managed to win only one match through a Super Over at home, while losing four others. Conversely, their away record stands at five wins, one loss, and one match that ended without a result.

In the match, GT won the toss and chose to field first. After losing Faf Du Plessis early, DC managed to establish a 90-run partnership between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel (30 runs off 19 balls, including one four and three sixes). Contributions from Axar Patel (25 runs off 16 balls, with two fours and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (21 not out off 10 balls, hitting two sixes) helped DC post a total of 199/3.

Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshad Khan each took a wicket for GT. However, DC's bowlers struggled against the consistent batting of Shubman Gill (93 not out off 53 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) and Sai Sudharsan (108 not out off 61 balls, featuring 12 fours and four sixes). Their impressive 205-run partnership led GT to victory with one over remaining.

Sai Sudharsan was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance. With this victory, GT secured a spot in the playoffs, boasting nine wins and three losses for a total of 18 points. Meanwhile, DC sits in fifth place with six wins, five losses, and one no-result match, totaling 13 points.