Credit: @DelhiCapitals
When batting reigns supreme: revisiting DC's chasing masterclasses
The Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) might not have clinched the coveted IPL trophy yet, but they've surely etched their name in the record books for some heart-stopping chases. Packed with explosive batsmen throughout the years, from Virender Sehwag's brutality to Rishabh Pant's audacious strokeplay, DC has produced moments of brilliance when the odds were stacked against them. Let's revisit the top 3 run chases in DC's history, where they defied the target and emerged victorious.
The year 2017 saw a new-look Delhi Daredevils, brimming with young talent. Facing the Gujarat Lions, who themselves were chasing their first win of the season, DC found themselves needing a mammoth 196 runs for victory. While their previous match saw fireworks from the likes of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, this time around, the chase started on a shaky note, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
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A young Shreyas Iyer took DD into the finishing line
However, Captain Shreyas Iyer stood tall amidst the ruins. His composed 96-run knock, a beacon of stability, anchored the innings. While wickets continued to tumble around him, Iyer held his nerve, ensuring DC stayed in the hunt. Eventually, with some late cameos, DC crossed the finish line in a thrilling encounter, showcasing their never-say-die attitude.
Cut to 2021. The Delhi Capitals, now under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, locked horns with the Punjab Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. With a daunting target of 198 runs, DC needed a special effort to emerge victorious. Thankfully, they had the ever-reliable Shikhar Dhawan in their ranks. The southpaw turned on the afterburners, unleashing a whirlwind knock of 92 runs off just 49 balls.
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Dhawan scored 92 runs off just 49 balls
His innings were a masterclass in clean hitting, peppered with boundaries and sixes. Dhawan found able support from Prithvi Shaw at the other end, and together they laid a solid foundation. Despite a slight stutter in the middle overs, DC eventually chased down the target with 4 overs to spare, with Shikhar Dhawan rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match.
This chase, etched in the memory of every DC fan, has to be the most remarkable in their IPL history. Chasing a mammoth 209 runs against the Gujarat Lions, DC needed a miracle. Enter the young duo of Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. What followed was an exhibition of audacious strokeplay. Both batsmen took the Gujarat Lions bowlers to the cleaners, raining sixes at will. There were moments of sheer brilliance, with both Samson and Pant hitting four consecutive sixes in their respective innings.
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Pant and Samson bring brutal end to Lions' campaign Delhi Daredevils 214 for 3 (Pant 97, Samson 61)
The dew-laden Wankhede pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, and the DC batsmen capitalised on it to the fullest. With more than 5 overs to spare, they chased down the target with incredible ease, rewriting the record books for the most successful chase in IPL history at that time. This match remains a testament to the sheer power and talent DC possesses in its batting ranks.
These three chases not only showcase DC's batting prowess but also highlight their ability to chase down any target, irrespective of the pressure. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, the Delhi Capitals batting unit promises many more such nail-biting finishes in the years to come.
