Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 18 runs in Sharjah.
Chasing the daunting target, KKR were tottering at 122 for 6 in the 14th over in Sharjah. However, Tripathi and Morgan produced late blitz, smashing 78 runs in just 30 balls to give Kolkata a glimmer of hope.
Anrich Nortje then came to Delhi’s rescue as he broke the partnership by removing Morgan for 18-ball 44 in the penultimate over.
Nortje conceded just 5 runs while Marcus Stoinis gave away 7 runs in the final over wherein he also dismissed Tripathi (36 off 16 balls) and DC eventually restricted KKR to 210/8.
"We were confident we had two good overs left, but anything could happen, it is a funny game is T20s and especially here in Sharjah. We really have a good platform and we have to be insatiable with our work ethics and keep getting better game after game from here on," Iyer said after the match.
Earlier, the Capitals rode on captain Iyer’s unbeaten 88 off 38 balls (7 fours and 6 sixes) to pile up 228/4 on the board. Apart from Shreyas, Prithvi Shaw (66 off 41 balls) and Rishabh Pant (38 off 17 balls) also made noteworthy contributions.
"It has been such an amazing tournament, especially in Sharjah. It is always a thrill to play at this ground, the last time I played here was in the under-19s. Winning the match was the icing on the cake.
"It was really necessary for me to take time at the start which I did in the earlier games as well. It was the right time for me to take on the bowlers and then rotate strike as well after that. Luckily it worked out for me. I know the hard work and the smart work I have put in through my gym sessions, so I wouldn't say I am a very gifted player," Iyer said.
Delhi Capitals will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their next game in Dubai on October 5.
(Inputs from India Today)