KXIP vs DC: Skipper Shreyas Iyer speechless after shocking loss
What's the story
The lack of nerves of Delhi Capitals while chasing games was highlighted for the second time in a row in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Against KKR at home, Delhi was forced to go into the Super Over, after having bossed the chase for a long period. And against Punjab, they suffered a collapse to surrender the game. Here's more.
KXIP vs DC
How did DC lose against Punjab?
In pursuit of 167 against KXIP, DC were well placed at 144/3 in the 17th over. A routine victory was on the cards. But they somehow lost the plot and were bowled out for 152. Rishabh Pant (39) and Chris Morris (0) got out on successive deliveries to spark the madness. Seven wickets for eight runs stunned one and all including skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Quote
I am really speechless, admits Iyer after shocking defeat
"I am really speechless. It is a crucial match and losing such matches is not going to benefit us. Really disappointing. With the way we were going, we came to run-a-ball and to lose from there, really disappointing." Iyer said after the match.
Curran
Curran's explosion hurts DC in Mohali
It was Sam Curran's explosive bowling that saw DC surrender the match. After picking up Colin Ingram's wicket, the all-rounder got Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada and Sandeep Lamichhane off successive deliveries across two overs to seal a splendid hat-trick. DC, which beat KKR via the Super Over after Rabada's heroics, panicked once again in a chase they should have mastered to perfection.
Our take
DC look vulnerable: Our take
Delhi have issues in the lower middle order and it seems playing Hanuma Vihari up there isn't working. For the second successive match, the right-handed batsman failed to offer any resistance during pivotal circumstances. DC cannot afford to surrender these sort of games after having played well in most parts. Teams will keep a note and believe they can put DC in similar situations.