North Delhi Strikers produced an all-around show to clinch victory by 27 runs against Purani Dilli 6 in the 16th match of the Delhi Premier League Season 2. After choosing to bat first, the Strikers started strongly, with openers Sarthak Ranjan and Arnav Bugga providing a solid base in the powerplay. Ranjan was the aggressor as he smashed 38 from just 21 balls, while Bugga was there to hold the fort with a calm 18 off 15.
The duo charged to 58 without losing any wickets in the first six overs, leaving a competitive total in sight. Ranjan continued to take his innings to a fifty in the fastest possible manner before being removed for 51 by Lalit Yadav in the 10th over. Bugga, who improved in confidence as the game moved along, also soon followed up with a well-crafted 39 off 26 balls, falling to the hands of Udhav Mohan.
Middle Overs Twist: Purani Dilli 6 Fight Back
Even as the Strikers had a blistering beginning, they suffered a mid-innings jitter. Lalit Yadav and Udhav Mohan took out major batters in quick succession, putting the screws on the batting team. Rajneesh Dadar also contributed some tight bowling to keep North Delhi from making the best use of their blockbuster beginning. Ultimately, the Strikers reached 179/8 at 20 overs, which turned out to be a competitive total for Purani Dilli 6.
Early Collapse Spoils Purani Dilli 6’s Pursuit
Chasing 180 for a win, Purani Dilli 6 witnessed a batting collapse as they lost three wickets for only 13 runs in the first few overs. The top order couldn’t face the new-ball attack, placing the chasing team on back foot right from the word go.
Bedi And Pant’s Partnership
Vansh Bedi scored a dashing knock, hitting 33 off 17 balls, with three huge sixes. While Pant kept the innings afloat with his calm 40, he helped steady the run chase during the middle overs. Their association injected life back into the match and briefly shifted the balance in favour of Purani Dilli 6.
Strikers Make A Comeback In Death Overs
In spite of the competitive association, the pursuit lost steam towards the end. The strain of a rising run rate and aggressive bowling by the Strikers was too intense. Deepanshu Gulia was the top bowler, bagging three important wickets. He was well supported by Harshit Rana and others, who kept a tight leash in the death overs.
Purani Dilli 6 were ultimately dismissed for 152 off their complete allotment of 20 overs to gift North Delhi Strikers a well-deserved 27-run victory. North Delhi Strikers’ all-rounded performance guaranteed their win, as Purani Dilli 6 were left struggling to gain momentum.
