If one is to pick one word that would describe this year’s IPL games, it would be one-sided. And none were more inclined towards a team than today’s contest between Gujarat Lions and Delhi Daredevils.
As the table-toppers faced each other in a clash that could determine the group champions, Delhi beat their nearest rivals comprehensively and might as well have lead the table had the Lions not played 2 more games than them.
Zaheer Khan continued his superb leadership and one wonders what could have been had he ever led team India.
There were several memorable moments from the match that don't fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes. And here are five of the best:
Zak bowled Baz
Whenever Brendon McCullum comes to bat, the entire stadium oozes out an electric environment. And why not? He is among the most entertaining batsmen in the world and watching him is a privilege in itself.
However, the fans were left disappointed today as he could conjure up only 1 run in the 4 balls that he faced.
And he was cleaned up by none other than the greatest Indian pacer of this millennium, Zaheer Khan. It was a beautiful sight seeing two legends facing off against each other, with the bowler getting the better of the Kiwi maestro.
Dinesh Karthik classic
How Karthik never made it big in his career, we will never know. With a technique as methodical as his, one could have expected him to be among the best batsmen in the world. Sadly, though, he isn’t. But he does produce some glorious moments of his own.
Against Delhi, his home city, he produced his best knock of this tournament. It came at a time when Gujarat were struggling at 24/3.
In 43 balls, he scored 53 runs to give Gujarat a formidable total. It might have gone to waste in the end, but it was a brave innings nonetheless.
Sir Ravindra Jadeja strikes
These days, a good Jadeja innings with the bat is a rare sight. While he continues to impress with cunning street-smartness with the ball, his batting leaves a lot to be desired. Against Delhi, however, his willow found its timing as he played a really crucial innings at an even more vital hour.
As Gujarat were in a state of bother, no thanks to their top order failing them, he helped Dinesh Karthik rebuild the innings and take the score past 140. He himself ended up with 36 off 26 balls. Fans will now hope that he keeps up the good work with the bat.
Quinton de Kock picks up form
After that glorious 48 ball ton against the RCB, he went into hibernation—something that concerned Delhi Daredevils as it wasn’t doing them any good.
However, he seems to have found his form once again as he played a really reserved innings to assist the blazing Rishabh Pant. He scored 47 off 46 balls to steadily guide Delhi’s ship towards the coast of victory.
This innings perfectly depicts his versatility as a batsman. He can bat with as much aggression as possible when the need arises but is just as comfortable playing a sheet anchor's role.
Rishabh Pant announces himself to the world
He took the ICC U19 World Cup by storm some months ago and a lot was expected from him as Delhi acquired his services.
Comparisons with Virender Sehwag were inevitable as the right-hander has a similar dashing batting style like the former Indian opener. And today he showed us just that with his incredibly quick innings that gave his team an easy win in the end.
In 40 balls, he scored 69 runs and played many shots that were reminiscent of the ones that Sehwag used to play during his time as an active cricketer.
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