Key points:
- In Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the brave decision by Delhi Capitals to open with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis did wonder for them.
- The iconic West Indies cricketer Brian Lara was fascinated by Stoini’s all-round performance.
- A few times, Ricky (Ponting) talked to me about the possibilities of opening up the batting.
- Bowling in this format is often difficult and before you get to the ground, it’s all about preparation and getting a good idea.
- The preparations are going to be the same as normal.
In Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the brave decision by Delhi Capitals to open with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis did wonder for them.
The superb performance of the Australian all-rounder with the bat that made DC get off to a flying start also rubbed on his bowling output as Stoinis picked 3 for 28 after scoring 38 critical runs.
Brain Lara impressed by Stoini’s performance:
The iconic West Indies cricketer Brian Lara was fascinated by Stoini’s all-round performance. The former Windies skipper acknowledged that sending their powerful middle-order batsman to open the innings was a bold step for DC and suggested that by letting Stoinis go, RCB may have made an error in judgment.
Lara on Star Sports:
Last year he got let off by RCB and saw what he’s doing for DC this year, “Lara said after DC beat SRH on Star Sports to meet their maiden IPL final clash against former champions Mumbai Indians set-up.”
This season, Stoinis has scored 352 runs as well as picked up 12 wickets for DC, playing a crucial run towards their best run in tournament history.
Stoinis opened in BBL:
Stoinis opened earlier in the Big Bash League, but this is his first attempt after the repeated failure of Prithvi Shaw to even get to double figures in the IPL.
A few times, Ricky (Ponting) talked to me about the possibilities of opening up the batting. It all worked out, and we were thinking this was the match to do it.
I batted at No.3 in one of the matches and it didn’t come off as we were targeting 220,’ he recalled.
Stoinis a great bowler:
As he removed Manish Pandey and the dangerous Kane Williamson at the correct time in his spell of 3 for 26 in four overs, he also had a field day with the ball.
“Bowling in this format is often difficult and before you get to the ground, it’s all about preparation and getting a good idea.” For Stoinis, the basic concept of T20 bowling is containment, more than taking wickets.
“Just be clear that you don’t always try to take wickets in T20, but manage the run-rate and also some pressure is generated by managing the game.”
Asked about the finals match against Mumbai Indians, Stoinis emphasized that the game plan as such will not be too much tinkering.
Delhi’s preparation against MI:
“The preparations are going to be the same as normal. MI is a great team when big games are coming up, it is more important to stick to the normal tactics and habits, and they have been consistent all season, beating us three times.
We’re just going to pull out our greatest cricket game and do our hardest. I think that’s going to be nice enough,’ said Stoinis.
