IPL 2020: DC vs KKR Review – Iyer’s masterclass, sensational bowling help DC win Sharjah run-fest

As expected, it was yet another run-fest at Sharjah and the Delhi Capitals managed to defend a 200+ total. After being invited to bat first, Prithvi Shaw got the team off to a brilliant start. He scored 66 off 41 deliveries before getting out and then Shreyas Iyer took control of the proceedings to literally hit sixes at will. He remained unbeaten on 88 off just 38 balls with 7 fours and six sixes while Pant smashed 38 off 17 to propel DC to 228/4 in their 20 overs.

In response, KKR lost Sunil Narine early yet again. But Nitish Rana batted well to score 58 off 35 balls. However, the rest of the middle-order collapsed to leave the team in a hole at 122/6. At this stage, Eoin Morgan and Rahul Tripathi came together and launched an assault when 78 runs were needed off four overs.

They brought the equation down to 31 runs off the last two overs. But Anrich Nortje and Marcus Stoinis got rid of the duo respectively to help DC win the game by 18 runs.

Turning Points

Iyer’s masterclass – The Delhi Capitals captain came out to bat after Shikhar Dhawan got out in the sixth over. He took his time early on rotating the strike and stitched a big partnership with Shaw. But once the latter got out, Iyer didn’t spare any bowler from the opposition. He made good use of the crease to confuse the bowlers and reaped maximum rewards. He remained off strike in the last over of the innings, else the DC skipper would’ve easily got to his hundred. In the end, he scored an unbeaten 88 off 38 balls making sure his team reached 228.

Rabada’s crucial over – KKR promoted Andre Russell to bat at four with the required run-rate soaring. Sensing an opportunity, even Shreyas Iyer brought back his best bowler, Kagiso Rabada into the attack and the South African didn’t disappoint. Despite going for a six and a four in the over, he bowled with menace to get rid of Russell in the same over. This move proved crucial in the run-chase eventually.

Top Performers

Records/Personal Milestones

• DC scored their second-best IPL score ever. Their highest is 231 against KXIP in IPL 2011.
• A total of 28 sixes were hit in this match. This is the third-most maximums ever hit in an IPL game ever.

Way Ahead

DC next face RCB on Monday, October 5 while KKR will look to return to winning ways against CSK on October 7.