IPL 2022: Delhi gives Brabourne a deadline

Capitals upset Mumbai Indians with an incredible chase led by Axar Patel and Lalit Yadav.

The people are taken aback by Axar (and Lalit).

The Brabourne crowd was obliged to concede ‘Dilli jeetega’ [Delhi will win] in the last moments of the chase after reacting with ‘Mumbai jeetega’ [Mumbai will win] every time the announcer encouraged them throughout the day.

A sense of inevitability had descended over proceedings at 104 for 6 in the 14th over in pursuit of 178. But DC had a deep batting line-up, with Kamlesh Nagarkoti placed at No 9. However, with the occasional boundary, Lalit had stopped the match from completely slipping away from DC’s grasp. And Shardul Thakur had played his part with some frantic swishing.

Axar’s unbeaten 38 off 17 was the game-changer. He effortlessly hoisted Jasprit Bumrah over long-on with 56 needed off the last five balls; it was the first hint of his beautiful touch. On any ground, establishing a short straight border, or whatever you choose to call it, takes some effort.

When the ball was dropped at long-on by Basil Thampi, Axar lofted the same bowler past the same fielder Tim David for a boundary; it became evident what zone he was in. MI tried to keep him from having the faster speed and longer length. So he blasted Daniel Sams over a deep backward square leg for six. With the white-ball run denial and the red-ball wicket downpour taking up most of the spotlight. Hitting is an under-appreciated component of Axar’s game.

Axar was occasionally taken off guard by the faster, fuller ones. But he said he’s been working on keeping his shape while going for the hits and attempting to respond to the ball.

Return to Kuldeep with a pop and a zip.

Kuldeep Yadav had only played two games in the previous eight months. When he last played in the IPL in 2020, he only took one wicket in the four innings he was given the ball. So he’d be on the bench or in the injured ward at the age when wrist-spinners are considered to have begun to mature.