IPL 2017: History made by Delhi Daredevils as all 10 Pune batsmen fall to catches

What’s the story?

There was history made in the ninth IPL match of 2017 between Rising Pune Supergiant and Delhi Daredevils as all 10 Pune batsmen being dismissed caught – marking the first time such a feat has happened in the tournament’s 10 years.

Set a gigantic target of 206 for victory, Supergiant batsmen kept picking out the fielders as they were humbled for a paltry 108 all-out inside 17 overs. A mixture of catches were offered to the Delhi fielders, with those in close range and on the boundary all in action at various points.

All Daredevils’ bowlers bar Corey Anderson were in the mix, with Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra taking three each, Pat Cummins two, and Chris Morris and Shahbaz Nadeem one apiece.

In case you didn’t know…

With the IPL now 10 years old, unique achievements are harder to come by than they once were – but this was a match with much to remember. Sanju Samson’s coming-of-age hundred offered a glimpse to India’s future, and Chris Morris’ electric nine-ball 38 not out could have been even more special if he had more overs to play with.

Pune’s bowling left them in despair once again, although criticism couldn’t be placed on Imran Tahir, who fought the tide to thrive against his old team, conceding just 24 in his four overs, while taking a wicket.

The heart of the matter

Fresh from his century blitz, Samson was in business early in the field when Ajinkya Rahane picked him out at mid-off. Mayank Agarwal was snaffled by Morris two overs later when he chipped Zaheer Khan to the same spot.

Rahul Tripathi clipped Morris to short fine leg for Delhi’s third, before overseas stars Faf du Plessis and Ben Stokes snicked behind to Rishabh Pant, leaving Pune on a perilous 54 for 5 before eight overs were up.

MS Dhoni did his best to kick-start RPS but holed out to deep midwicket with his attempted helicopter. Rajat Bhatia also just failed to hit a maximum, as Morris claimed a second catch at mid-on. Pant, Samson and Dinda’s catches made swift work of the tail, sending back Deepak Chahar, Adam Zampa and Ashok Dinda respectively.

What’s next?

Delhi will head to the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday full of confidence for a big clash against the impressive Kings XI Punjab. Pune don’t have long to lick their wounds but will be hopeful of getting their season back on track when they play Gujarat Lions in Rajkot on April 14, who are winless from their first two games.

Author’s take

Pune were always going to have to go flat out from the start after their bowlers failed to stand up once again, although to be rolled over so cheaply with such a steady batting set-up will be very disappointing.

Delhi, meanwhile, will be encouraged with all departments of their game. The batsmen – led by Samson – put them in total command, before the bowling took over. To have the focus on the competence of their fielding as well is a fitting final touch to what was a brilliant performance.