Delhi Capitals (DC) came up with an uplifting performance, as they tamed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 55 of the 2020 Indian Premier League, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, on Monday. The win sealed the playoffs spot for both, with DC finishing second, while RCB came down to the third.
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Match summary: Winning the toss, DC skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first, as RCB's Padikkal (50), along with AB de Villiers (35), helped them post a modest total of 1527, while Anrich Nortje claimed 333. In reply, the DC batsmen held their nerves, as it was Shikhar Dhawan (50), along with Ajinkya Rahane (60), who did the job for the side. They secured the win by six wickets with six balls to spare, as both sealed their spot in the playoffs.
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Following the win, Iyer was delighted, as DC brought their four-match losing streak to an end. He said that the team was not focused at the Net Run-Rate (NRR), as winning the game and earning the required two points was their primary target.
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"Chuffed with the performance. We knew it was a do or die, and we just focused on the win, not NRR. The teams, who won in the latter half, completely changed the scenario. It's a really competitive tournament, for sure. I feel that the bowlers were really up with their plans and knew what they had to execute," said Iyer, following the game.
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"We had a few sessions back in the hotel and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, and it worked out today. Mumbai are one of the best teams in the tournament. We need to keep things simple; that's what we discussed in the meetings. Stick to the basics. The more you keep things simple, the easier it gets," added Iyer.
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Iyer expressed his happiness for their bowling attack, praising pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, by saying, "It makes my job easy, to be honest, because of the way these guys plan in the team meeting. They come up with their own ideas and, for me as a captain on the field; it's pretty much easy to set the fields. I just go and ask them what you are going to bowl, and they literally mail all of the balls. I am really happy the way the things are going so far and the way Nortje came up and delivered. Really happy for him and the way he performed today."
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Iyer was also pleased to watch Ajinkya Rahane performed, who scored 60 that played a crucial role in their win. "He carries a lot of experience in the IPL and the way he paced his innings; it was amazing to see. The loose balls he punished, other than that he was taking single and twos. It was a great example, and I think he peaked at the right time, just when we needed him. With a few important matches coming up, he will definitely play an important role in them," he concluded.
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DC would now take on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Qualifier 1 of the playoffs on Thursday. As for RCB, they are to take on either of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) or Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator on Friday.
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