Sports Desk : Voice of Calcutta

Bengaluru, April 18: In a nail-biting IPL encounter, Delhi Capitals pulled off a dramatic 6-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, thanks to a stunning last-over finish by David Miller. Chasing 176, Delhi needed 15 runs in the final over, and Miller rose to the occasion, smashing two crucial sixes to seal a memorable win.

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 175 for 8 in their 20 overs. The innings began on an aggressive note with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli providing a brisk start. Kohli scored 19 off 13 balls before falling with the team total at 51 in the sixth over. Salt, however, continued his attacking approach and played a brilliant knock of 63 off 38 deliveries. Later, Tim David added a quick 26, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build momentum, restricting Bengaluru to a competitive yet chaseable total.

In response, Delhi Capitals had a shaky start. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed in the very first over, followed by Karun Nair, who managed just 5 runs. The in-form Sameer Rizvi also fell cheaply in the same over, leaving Delhi struggling at 18 for 3 within three overs.

At that crucial juncture, KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a composed yet impactful partnership. Rahul played a fine innings of 57 off 34 balls, while Stubbs anchored the chase brilliantly. Delhi faced another setback when skipper Axar Patel retired hurt on 26 due to severe cramps, briefly shifting the momentum back towards Bengaluru.

However, Stubbs held his nerve and found strong support in David Miller towards the end. With the match hanging in the balance and 15 required in the final over, Miller turned the game on its head with two towering sixes, finishing unbeaten on 22, while Stubbs remained not out on 60, guiding Delhi to a remarkable victory.

With this win, Delhi Capitals move to fourth place on the points table with 6 points from 5 matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite the loss, remain second with 8 points from 6 games, though this defeat will certainly sting after being in a commanding position earlier in the match.

Sports Desk : Voice of Calcutta