IPL 2020: Qualifier 2 – DC vs SRH – Who Said What

Qualifier two of the Indian Premier League 2020 saw action between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. Both the teams tried by hook or by crook to make through finals but it was Delhi’s day in the end. DC won the game by 17 runs. Batting first, DC posted 189 runs on the board where Marcus Stonis (38 off 27) and Shikhar Dhawan (78 off 50) kicked off the team’s innings in the most impressive manner.

Stonis was named as the player of the match as he uplifted DC will his brilliant all-round action. The rest of the job was done perfectly by Shimron Hetmyer for DC, who smashed 42* off 22 balls. Rashid Khan was not at his usual best but still maintained a decent economy by picking one wicket for SRH.

Chasing the massive target in Abu Dhabi, skipper David Warner failed to save the team with his bat. Only Kane Williamson (67 off 45) and Abdul Samad (33 off 16) showed intent to push the team over the line. However, their efforts fell short ahead of the big target. Kagiso Rabada came up with his usual class and named a marvellous four-wicket haul on his name. Stoinis shined in the bowling zone too, as he picked three wickets to get Delhi going.

Losing skipper, David Warner said

First and foremost, no one gave us a chance at the start. Mumbai has a great team, Delhi as well, and RCB, but I’m proud to be where we are today. Natarajan is a find of this IPL, and he’s been outstanding. Rashid has been amazing, and so has Manish Pandey at No. 3. From an all-round perspective, it’s been great. I’d like to thank all our supporters at home. The main thing is attitude in the field. You can’t win if you don’t take catches, so that, we’ll have to do much better next time – that’s what’s let us down in this tournament – the attitude on the field. Key players like Saha and Bhuvi has been difficult, but the rest of them have been excellent in their roles to get us where we have gotten today. The fans are so loyal, I saw that photo of a bridge being lit up today. Hyderabad is our second home, and the franchise owners are like a family. Hopefully after this we can go and play the IPL in India next year and put up a better show.

Winning skipper, Shreyas Iyer said

Best feeling ever. Journey has been a rollercoaster. End of the day we stuck together as a family. Very happy with the effort every individual has put in. Has taught me many things. Lot of responsibility comes with being a captain. But have been getting support from coaches and support staff. On top of that the team has been so special. Really fortunate to have such an amazing team. The emotions keep going high and low, so you can’t have a same set of routines. Have to keep chopping and changing. Hoping that in the next game as well, against MI the biggest team, we’re able to play freely. Were going at 10rpo, but we know Rashid can be lethal in the middle. Plan was to not give him wickets. Were lacking with the opening partnership. Needed a rocket start, We thought if he goes and plays maximum deliveries he can give us a good start.

Marcus Stonis, Player of the match, said

Have done it in the BBL for a couple of seasons (opening the batting) so it was nice to get an opportunity. Never know what it’s going to be like early. There was swing early on. So had a bit of a look at it before having a crack. Have played quite a bit of IPL, but this is my first final. It’s been hard with quarantine but a bit of silverware is good motivation. MI are a very good team. Have played consistently. But they’re due an off game. Our best cricket should be good enough to win. Was a really nice wicket. My thought process was to change my grips and see what I was getting out of the wicket and change my tactics with wide yorkers and slower balls.