Final Result:
Delhi Capitals have managed to hang in the playoffs race after registering a 19-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in match 64 of IPL 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Chasing a challenging 209 for victory, DC restricted LSG Sto 189 for 9 in 20 overs.
Delhi's victory also helped the Rajasthan Royals qualify for the playoffs as the second team on the points table after Kolkata Knight Riders.
Mid-Innings Score:
Delhi Capitals Post 208/4 In 20 Overs After Abhishek Porel (58), Stubbs (57*), Naveen (2/51)
Delhi will be happy with the final score after Lucknow slowed down the run rate in the middle overs. DC got off to a fantastic start thanks to Porel and Shai Hope's (38) 92-run partnership for the second wicket but things turned after the latter's wicket as LSG put on the squeeze.
It was Tristan Stubbs who provided the late fireworks to take Delhi past the 200-run mark.
Tristan Stubbs: "It was quite tough when I walked in. I could not get myself on some intensity, but once I got going it started to flow. I always feel like I can give myself a bit of time and then catch up. You never know on this ground, but it is stopping a bit and hopefully it is enough. Just playing in front of so many people is incredible."
Toss Update:
Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Rishabh Pant is back from his one-match suspension to lead Delhi Capitals.
Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: Ishant Sharma, Kumar Kushagra, Praveen Dubey, Swastik Chikara, Lalit Yadav
Lucknow Super Giants Impact Subs: Manimaran Siddharth, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, Prerak Mankad, Krishnappa Gowtham
Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Abishek Porel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Gulbadin Naib, Rasikh Dar Salam, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI: KL Rahul(w/c), Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshad Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan
Pitch Report:
"This ground is compact and conducive to high-scoring matches. It measures 60 meters to one side and slightly larger at 66 meters to the other. Additionally, there is a gentle breeze blowing across the ground. This is pitch number 6, known for its high-scoring nature. The ball tends to fly off the bat on this pitch, with an average score exceeding 250 runs. However, we must consider whether the pitch's reusability will maintain its characteristics," queries Graeme Swann. "There's a noticeable shine on the surface, and the conditions appear consistent. Historically, batting first has proven advantageous here," reckons Murali Kartik.
DC vs LSG Preview:
All eyes will be on captain KL Rahul as Lucknow Super Giants, struggling to keep their slim chances of making it to the IPL playoffs alive, face a crucial match against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.
There has been a lot of talk about Rahul's future as captain of LSG since team owner Sanjiv Goenka publicly criticized him after their big loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad last Wednesday.
People are saying that Rahul might step down as captain, or maybe he'll continue leading the team for the remaining two games before leaving LSG. In any case, the Indian batsman will want to respond with his performance and finish things on a positive note.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals will be looking forward to the return of captain Rishabh Pant after he missed a game due to a suspension for slow overrate against Rajasthan Royals. His presence could boost their chances of finishing the season well.
Delhi faced difficulties without Pant, especially with their fielding, which cost them dearly with dropped catches and misfields against RCB on Sunday night.
