Delhi Capitals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Vital Win

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-05-19 13:32:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-08 12:07:30

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 18

---

Delhi Capitals secured a crucial win in their IPL journey, breathing new life into their playoff chances. With the tournament nearing its climax, DC returned to the top-four fray after snapping their three-match losing streak with a professional performance. Now they have two chances to qualify for the next stage of the IPL. They still have to face Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in their remaining games and both the matches will be virtual knockouts as DC will need to win both games to qualify for the playoffs.

The game was meant to be a stiff test for Delhi, facing a buoyant Gujarat Titans side who were also eyeing a top-four place. But the Capitals held their nerves to put behind some disappointing results and notch up a crucial win at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

DC won the toss and chose to bowl first on a pitch that looked to be easing for batting. The decision paid immediate dividends as the Titans lost their prolific opener Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. The experienced campaigner, who was batting well above the average at the top of the order for GT this season, was caught neatly by Rishabh Pant for just 4.

However, it brought the in-form Wriddhiman Saha to the crease, and he rebuilt the Titans' innings alongside opener Matthew Wade. The pair added 77 runs for the second wicket, but as the pitch started to slow down, Delhi's spin tandem of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel gave the Titans' batting a dent.

Kuldeep, who went for just 11 runs off his three overs, removed the set Saha to trigger a mini-collapse as the Titans slipped from 97 for 2 to 140 for 6. Eventually, Gujarat posted 153 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Chasing 154 for victory, Delhi lost opener Mandeep Singh cheaply, but the experienced pairing of Pant and David Warner steadied the ship with a 67-run stand. After Warner's dismissal, the ever-dependable Dhawan took charge and scored an crucial 28-ball 30 to take Delhi home by six wickets with 11 balls to spare.

The win puts Delhi within touching distance of the playoffs. With two more must-win games left, DC would be hoping for a repeat of their performance against Gujarat to stake their claim for a spot in the top four.

Quote: "We needed this win anyway. Today the bowling department came out and did a fantastic job. I back my batting unit to chase this down. We have two more chances, and we will hope to win both games and qualify," said an optimistic Rishabh Pant, Delhi's captain.

Conclusion:

With this win, Delhi Capitals (DC) kept their hopes alive of qualifying for the IPL playoffs. They currently sit just outside the top four and will likely need to win their remaining matches to have a chance of qualifying. DC will face Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both tough matches, but if they can pull off two consecutive victories, they may well sneak into the playoffs.

Although Delhi will face numerous challenges ahead, the franchise would be hoping to build on this confident performance and make it to the business end of the tournament.

Go!