The Delhi Cpitals (DC) team came into Qualifier 2 after winning only one of the last 6 games. Another defeat and they would have been written off by everyone. But after the win on the 08th November 2020 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team, the DC team is just one step away from glory.
This performance in Qualifier 2 was like their total season in miniature. They flew out of the block, stuttered, but managed to keep themselves in the game and made sure to win in the key moments. In contrast, the SRH team, who had managed to win the last 4 games, started off poorly, not only with the ball but also with the bat.
Two of the moves made by the DC tam helped them tremendously. The decision to open with Marcus Stoinis along with Shikhar Dhawan. This was the first time Stoinis was given the opening and this paid the team rich dividends. The team had the best powerplay of the season. Shimron Hetmeyer was also brought back to the side. He hit late but ensured that the DC team put up a total that was challenging.
Stoinis made a big contribution with the ball and took 2 wickets in the 5th over of the SRH team innings. He returned to remove Kane Williamson at the right time.
Stoinis and Dhawan Setting the Tone
As known, the DC team was in poor form with facing defeat in 3 games. They did not want to chase again and the toss was in their favour.
Sandeep Sharma and Jason Holder managed to keep the openers of the DC team to only 11 from the initial 2 overs. Sandeep bowled inswing to Stoinis in the 3rd over but after this, he managed to concede back-to-back boundaries. Holder was hit for 3 fours and also a 6 by Stoinis in the 4th over. Dhawan also joined in and hit 3 fours. With so many fours being hit, the DC team managed a powerplay that can be termed as the most productive and also without losing any wickets.
Stoinis and Rabada strike early
The SRH team seemed out of the contest by the time the powerplay was over. Kagiso Rabada struck with the very first ball and managed to bowl David Warner out. Marcus Stoinis also struck twice in the first over and managed to get Priyam Garg and Manish Pandey.
After 6 overs, the SRH team was 49 runs for 3 wickets and the asking rate was more than 10 per over.
Last Stand of Williamson
Williamson did not allow the game to end and ensured that he kept hitting boundaries after picking up minor errors. He managed to shovel Rabada over the midwicket after he stepped across his stumps. He hit straight sixes to Axar Patel and Praveeen Dubey.
Williamson lost his shape only after the entry of Stoinis.
To cut it short, this game was totally in the hands of the DC team.
