DC lost to SRH by 9 runs in a chase of 198-run target.
The Capitals faltered in the 198-run chase, thanks to rather baffling batting-order tactics from the team management; the side saved Akshar Patel for the back-end of the innings, sending Priyam Garg and out-of-form batter Sarfaraz Khan ahead of him.
Earlier, thanks to half-centuries form Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH posted 197/6 in 20 overs. Then in reply, David Warner got out on the second ball of the first over to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but Phil Salt and Mitchell Marsh hit half-centuries to keep DC in the game.
But they lost wickets in the middle and while Akshar Patel made 29* in 14 balls, it was too late as they finished on 188/6 and lost by 9 runs. This was DC’s sixth defeat in the ongoing IPL 2023.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh launched a brutal attack on Warner, blaming him for DC's horrid IPL 2023 season.
“I don't think they can make a comeback, and the entire reason for that is captain. He didn't lead the side well, and then his form was an issue. It has been very disappointing. Warner was dismissed earlier today (vs SRH), which is why Delhi came so close. If he had played 50 balls, that would've been 50 balls wasted and DC would've lost by 50 runs,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube Channel.
David Warner remains the highest run-scorer for the Capitals so far (306 runs in 8 matches), his strike rate – 118.60 – has been far from decent.
“Even now, when he comes to presentation, he says about other players' mistakes. But what have you done? You didn't show any intent; you scored 300+ runs but look at your strike rate. Warner hasn't really done justice to his stature this year. His 300 runs are of no use to DC. Warner needs to look in the mirror if he wants to find a reason for DC being at the bottom,” Harbhajan said further.
DC will now face Gujarat Titans on May 2nd.
(Hindustan Times inputs)