Delhi Capitals won the toss and choose to field first, Ripal Patel making his debut in IPL. Chennai Super Kings made 3 changes, Bravo, Chahar, and Robin Uthappa comes in.
Chennai had a lucky start, Ruturaj was given out LBW but he reviewed and he survived. That was the only good thing that happened for the Super Kings before openers gets out, Ruturaj (13) and Du Plessis (10). At a point in time, the Super Kings were 62-4, they needed to bring back the momentum. The partnership between Rayudu and Dhoni of 70 runs gave hope for CSK.
Fans were blaming Ms Dhoni for his slow inning (18 runs off 27 balls). But we have to understand CSK 62-4 were under pressure, that inning was needed at that point of time. Rayudu (55) help CSK reach 136, brilliant bowling from Delhi. Axar Patel is the unsung hero for Delhi Capitals this season, he takes wickets as well as bowls with good economy.
Delhi Capital’s chase
Delhi had a couple of good opening overs before Shaw (18) and Iyer (2) gets out in powerplay overs. Dhawan counter attacks and made 21 runs off Deepak Chahar’s over.
The skipper Pant (15) was in hurry to finish the game but Jadeja traps him. The debutant Ripal Patel (18) played a couple of good shots but dot balls made pressure on him and eventually, he went for a big shot and gets out. Ashwin (2) was promoted before Hetmyer but the ripper from Thakur gets him. Experienced Dhawan was the hope for DC but the very same over Thakur dismissed Shikhar (39). Hetmyer joined Axar Patel and patiently take DC to a 3 wickets victory.
Hetmyer was the man, made 28 off just 18 balls when CSK was dominating. A big disappointment for CSK as they lost back-to-back games, they must find their rhythm back before the playoffs. With this victory, Delhi Capitals sealed their position in the top 2 spots.
Axar Patel gets the player of the match award for his economical bowling and 2 wickets.