IPL 2024: GT vs DC – Delhi Capitals Crush Gujarat Titans as Bowlers Run Riot in Ahmedabad

IPL 2024: GT vs DC – In a lopsided encounter played on April 17th, 2024, the Delhi Capitals (DC) outplayed the Gujarat Titans (GT) by a massive margin of 6 wickets. The architects of this victory were the DC bowlers, who put on a clinic to dismantle the much-vaunted GT batting lineup.

GT Top Order Crumbles

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, GT’s innings got off to a disastrous start. Openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha fell cheaply, dismissed for 8 and 2 runs respectively by the experienced Ishant Sharma. The rest of the top-order followed suit, as Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar ran riot with the new ball. The in-form Sai Sudharsan was the only one to show some resistance, but his dismissal for 12 via a run-out further dented GT’s hopes.

DC Pacers Shine with the New Ball

The swing bowling of Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar was simply unplayable in the initial overs. They exploited the conditions in Ahmedabad perfectly, picking up two wickets each within the powerplay. Ishant Sharma, the veteran pacer, also chipped in with two crucial wickets, leaving GT reeling at a paltry 30/4 at the end of the powerplay – their lowest score in that phase during IPL 2024.

GT Manage Only 89 Runs

Despite a fighting fifty from the lower-middle order batsman Vijay Shankar; GT could only manage a meagre total of 89 runs on the board. The DC bowling attack, led by the pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar; was simply too good on the day. Spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring that no GT batsman could build a significant partnership.

Easy Chase for DC

Chasing a paltry target of 90 runs, the DC openers, Prithvi Shaw and Jake Fraser-McGurk, started cautiously. However, they slowly began to open their arms, stitching together a crucial opening partnership of 45 runs. After the dismissal of Shaw, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant and the explosive Tristan Stubbs took DC over the finish line with unbeaten knocks of 32 and 28 runs respectively.

Dominant Victory for DC

This clinical performance by the DC bowlers has put them firmly back in contention for a playoff spot. They exposed the chinks in the GT batting armor, who were heavily reliant on their top order for runs. The win also puts the spotlight on the young pace duo of Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed; who displayed exceptional control and swing bowling.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.