In a high-octane clash between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, Gujarat emerged victorious by six wickets in match seven of the IPL 2023 season. B. Sai Sudharsan's unbeaten 62 and crucial contributions from David Miller and Vijay Shankar helped Gujarat chase down Delhi's total of 162/8 with ease.
After being put in to bat first, Delhi started well with Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill hitting boundaries off the opening overs. However, Anrich Nortje struck twice in quick succession to dismiss both openers. Delhi's middle order struggled to get going against a disciplined Gujarat bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan both picking up three wickets each.
In response, Gujarat got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets in the power-play. However, Sudharsan and Shankar steadied the ship with a 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The duo played some sensible cricket, rotating the strike while also finding the occasional boundary.
With 46 needed off the last five overs, it was anyone's game until Miller turned the tide in Gujarat's favour. The South African all-rounder smashed Mukesh Kumar for two sixes and a four in the 16th over to swing the momentum towards Gujarat. Sudharsan then brought up his fifty in style, with a ramp shot off Nortje followed by a massive six over fine leg.
Miller and Sudharsan then finished off the chase with 11 balls to spare, as Gujarat cruised to victory. While Sudharsan was the star of the show with his unbeaten 62, Miller's quickfire 34 off 15 balls was equally crucial in securing the win.
Delhi will be disappointed with their batting performance, as they failed to build on the good start provided by Saha and Gill. Gujarat, on the other hand, will be pleased with their all-round performance, with both their bowling and batting units firing on all cylinders.
The win takes Gujarat to third place in the IPL 2023 standings, while Delhi slip to fifth. Both teams will be back in action on Thursday, with Delhi taking on Mumbai Indians and Gujarat facing off against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 162/8 in 20 overs (David Warner 37, Axar Patel 36; Rashid Khan 3-31, Mohammed Shami 3-41) lost to Gujarat Titans 163/4 in 18.1 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 62 not out, David Miller 31 not out; Anrich Nortje 2-39, Mitchell Marsh 1-24) by six wickets