Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper David Warner heaped praise on senior pacer Ishant Sharma, who played a key role in the team’s thrilling five-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday (May 2).
Ishant was tasked to defend 12 runs in the final over against clean strikers such as Hardik Pandya and Rahul Tewatia. Amid the pressure situation, the veteran campaigner delivered a brilliant last over, conceding only 6 runs from it besides taking the wicket of Tewatia.
Ishant was included in DC’s playing XI after they suffered five successive defeats. However, the lanky fast bowler has stepped up big time for Delhi, claiming 6 wickets in 4 games at an economy rate of 6.50.
On Tuesday, Ishant also knocked over Vijay Shankar in the powerplay with a stunning knuckle delivery. He eventually returned with the figures of 2 for 23 in his four-over spell, helping DC defend a modest total of 130.
Ishant cleaned up Vijay Shankar in the powerplay with a knuckleball before coming to deliver the perfect final over for Delhi Capitals.
"With Ishant forever getting younger and coming out and delivering, it's amazing to see him. How much did he hold his nerves there at the end, credit to him. I was nervous there when Tewatia was going off. He's renowned for that, he always hits the ball nice and clean towards the back end. Our best death bowler at the end has been Anrich. I passed the ball to him. Ishant was so clear with what he wanted to execute and he was able to do that," Warner said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Earlier, the Capitals posted a modest 130/8 on the board after opting to bat first. Aman Hakim Khan was the top scorer with 44-ball 51.
Despite the positive result in the end, Warner was not happy with the misfiring batting line-up.
"We just keep finding ways to lose wickets in clumps. Another runout. I just don't know what's happening with our batting at the moment. We tried to have positive intent today. It didn't come off. But look, we won and got the two points," the captain added.
It was Delhi Capitals’ third win in 9 matches this season and they are still holding the last spot on the points table.
DC will next face RCB on Saturday (May 6) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
