25 Apr at 6:09 pm

IPL 2024: DC vs GT 40th Match Highlights – Delhi Capitals Hold On For a Dramatic Win Over Gujarat Titans

DC steal last-over thriller against GT! © iplt20.com

The 40th match of IPL 2024 was a heart-stopping rollercoaster ride that kept fans in their seats until the last delivery. Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by four runs. This match showcased a display of phenomenal batting, exceptional bowling spells, and a nerve-wracking finish that will be remembered for a long time.

DC Dig Themselves Out of a Hole, Powered by Pant and Axar

DC’s start could have been better. Sandeep Warrier’s fiery spell with the new ball left them reeling at 44 for 3, putting immense pressure on the middle order. However, this is where the brilliance of Rishabh Pant shone through. The DC skipper played a captain’s knock, displaying his aggressive yet calculated approach. He clobbered boundaries at will, finding gaps in the field and launching sixes with effortless power. His unbeaten knock of 88 runs off just 43 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, single-handedly reviving DC’s innings.

Equally crucial was the contribution of Axar Patel at the other end. Stepping up to the occasion, Axar played a composed innings, providing much-needed stability alongside Pant. He showcased his clean-hitting ability, particularly against the spinners, and reached a well-deserved half-century (66 runs off 43 balls). The 113-run partnership between Pant and Axar formed the backbone of DC’s innings, propelling them to a respectable total of 224 for 4.

Gujarat Titans Fight Back with a Blazing Start

Chasing a challenging target, GT got off to a flying start. B Sai Sudharsan and David Miller took the DC bowling attack by storm, putting on a dazzling display of attacking batting. Sudharsan, in particular, impressed with his fluent strokes, finding the boundary with ease and scoring a brilliant 65 runs off just 39 balls. Miller, known for his explosive batting, matched Sudharsan’s intensity, reaching a quick-fire fifty off only 21 balls. This opening partnership of 89 runs in nine overs brought GT back into the contest, leaving the DC camp visibly nervous.

Spinners Step Up for DC, Rashid Khan Creates Late Drama

However, the tide started to turn as the DC spinners entered the attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel applied the brakes, tightening their lines and lengths. They quickly dismissed both Sudharsan and Miller, putting a significant dent in GT’s chase. The middle order of GT faltered under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. The fall of key batters like Wriddhiman Saha (39 runs) and Rahul Tewatia (0 runs) left a mountain to climb for GT.

Just when it seemed like DC was cruising towards a comfortable victory, Rashid Khan, the GT superstar, took center stage. He launched a brutal assault on the DC bowling attack, smashing boundaries with disdain. His late flourish brought GT back into the game, and with 19 runs needed off the final over, the tension in the stadium was palpable.

Mukesh Kumar Holds His Nerve in a Dramatic Final Over

The responsibility of bowling the final over fell on the young shoulders of Mukesh Kumar. With nerves of steel, he held his nerve and delivered a tight over. He conceded a boundary off the first ball but managed to restrict the flow of runs after that. A six off the penultimate ball by Rashid Khan gave GT a glimmer of hope. However, Mukesh Kumar bowled a fantastic yorker on the final delivery. Rashid Khan could only squeeze for a single, sealing a thrilling victory for DC by four runs.

A Match of Great Individual Performances and Team Spirit

This match was a testament to the fighting spirit of both teams. DC displayed remarkable resilience, recovering from a shaky start thanks to the heroics of Pant and Axar. Led by Sandeep Warrier’s early burst, GT’s bowlers put DC under pressure early on. However, the brilliance of Rashid Khan in the death overs almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for GT. Ultimately, Mukesh Kumar’s composure in the final over proved to be the difference-maker.

This close encounter throws the IPL 2024 playoff wide open. Both DC and GT will be looking to learn from this match and carry the momentum forward in their upcoming matches. The tournament promises to be an exciting battle for supremacy, with teams like DC and GT showcasing their fighting spirit and incredible cricketing talent.