IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, 13th Match - Who Said What?

Delhi Capitals registered their maiden win of the season with a victory over Chennai Super Kings Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The Rishabh Pant-led side had a great outing with the bat, but it was the bowlers who were instrumental in their 20-run victory over the defending champions.

Batting first, David Warner and Prithvi Shaw gave a flying start to the hosts. The returning Shaw showed glimpses of his destruction as he made 43 runs off 27 deliveries, while Warner hit 52 runs off 35 deliveries. He was looking in brilliant form, but Matheesha Pathirana picked up a stunning catch to send him back to the pavilion. After he got out, Rishabh Pant took care of the business as he made 51 runs off 32 deliveries.

Also Read: Matheesha Pathirana's one-handed stunner leaves David Warner in disbelief

The DC skipper played some brilliant shots towards the business end of the innings as Delhi posted 191/5 in the first innings. When it came to the chase, DC bowlers were phenomenal, particularly Khaleel Ahmed, who picked up two wickets in the powerplay. CSK hit their first boundary after 23 deliveries, which shows how destructive they were with the new ball. Later on, Mukesh Kumar did well, picking up three wickets, which helped DC win their first match of the season.

Talking Points

1. DC’s new opening pair makes noise

After two back-to-back defeats, Delhi changed their opening combination as Prithvi Shaw was finally introduced in the playing XI. The duo of Warner and Shaw proved dangerous in the past but given the latter’s recent form, he was not considered for selection for the first two matches. That might be one of the reasons behind him being determined to get going as he eventually stitched a 93-run partnership with Warner, which helped DC a lot. 

Also Read - Shot of the Day - David Warner whacks Deepak Chahar into second tier in Vizag

2. Khaleel, Mukesh destroy CSK batting unit

Khaleel Ahmed seemed unplayable against the new ball. Rachin Ravindra, who was in brilliant touch struggled against the Indian pacer as he could only two runs off 12 deliveries. Khaleel ended up picking two wickets, which gave the momentum to DC. Later on, Mukesh came into the attack and put more pressure on CSK, picking up three wickets in Vizag.

3. Thala Dharisanam in Vizag as Dhoni bats after 308 days

Coming out to bat at number eight, with the match almost out of hand, no one expected MS Dhoni to turn things around. It could have been an emotional act but with Dhoni, you just say think on these lines. Thala, as he is popularly known, showed that he has still got it as the 42-year-old hit 37* runs off 16 deliveries against a DC bowling unit, who had a great day in the middle. However, there’s only one demand in the market right now - Dear Thala, please bat up the order.

Who Said What?

Losing skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said:

I was pretty happy with how the bowlers came back after the first six overs, restricting them to 190 was a good effort. First innings played better for the batting side, second innings there was some seam movement. Rachin [Ravindra] was missing it by a big margin, because of the extra bounce and movement. That was the difference. At halfway I felt it was gettable, but we couldn't capitalise in the powerplay. We were always behind, trying to catch up and get the rate down. First few overs we bowled well, but the last two overs [of the powerplay] was expensive. After two wins, you can expect one below par, so not much to worry about

Winning skipper Rishabh Pant said:

Bowlers have been clinical today. We've learnt from our mistake. He's been working hard from last two weeks (Shaw). We thought it's time to give him a chance and he flourished. It will depend on match to match, but if Mukesh can bowl at the death it'll be great. As a cricketer I've to give my 100 percent. Took some time initially as I haven't played much cricket in the last 1.5 years. This is something I've depended my life on. Always had the self-belief that whatever happens, it's important to come back to the ground.

POTM Khaleel Ahmed said:

Have worked hard in the domestic season. Played a lot of matches in the last six months which has helped me know my game better. Love it when the ball swings and the batters get beaten. Have tried to figure out how I can keep myself fit. Red-ball game teaches you a lot about how the ball is coming out of the hand. Ultimate goal is to play for India.