Gear Shifting: Sai Sudarshan after initially taking charge of the innings made some big shots. , Photo Credit: RV Murthy
The batting friendly pitch surrounded by square boundaries of 65 meters was a perfect platform for the run-fest. The top-order batsmen on both sides promised to do much, with the bowlers clearly in an unbelievable position.
However, if the Delhi Capitals-Gujarat Titans clash survived as a longer contest than expected, it was only because the batsmen from both the teams got swept away.
script changing
Put in, the Capitals were let down by its batsmen. Later, chasing 163, the Titans traded the creamy layer of their batting for some quick runs. That’s when Capitals’ hopes rose, but B Sai Sudarshan changed the script and handed the Titans a six-wicket win. It was Hardik’s 10th successful finish in 11 men’s chases.
The Titans made the first bounce after the Tamil Nadu pair of Sai Sudarshan and Vijay Shankar – 11 years apart – combined for three on 54 at the end of the powerplay.
This left-right combination held his nerves and gradually gained the lead. The duo minimized risks during their 53-run stand without compromising on snappyness and sense of purpose.
Sai Sudarshan, whose 69m scoop-six off Anrich Nortje at 144 kmph proved the shot of the evening, was a class act.
His stroke selection and execution were excellent as he pressed on to help his team cross the finish line and emerge as the player-of-the-match.
More importantly, for the Titans, the 21-year-old left-hander is gaining in confidence with each outing as he continues to strengthen his claim for a permanent spot in the playing XI.
After Vijay Shankar was dismissed for 29 off 23 balls, the stylish Sai Sudarshan and fellow left-hander David Miller stitched together the 56 runs needed for Titans’ second win, which coincided with Capitals’ second loss.
In the final analysis, Sai Sudarshan was the difference between the teams.
Earlier, David Warner and Sarfaraz Khan left for Capitals without lasting long. Axar Patel later provided some flourish but the outing proved to be a difficult one for the hosts.
Prithvi Shaw was dismissed early on the short pitch ball of Mohammed Shami. Moreover, the manner in which Alzarri Joseph removed Warner and Reilly Rossouw off consecutive deliveries proved to be reminiscent of what Mark Wood had done for the team in their campaign-opener.