Saturday, Apr 19 2025 | Time 14:42 Hrs(IST)
SportsPosted at: Apr 18 2025 12:31PM


Streaking Capitals face Titan test in IPL clash

Ahmedabad, Apr 18 (UNI) Delhi Capitals, who sit atop the standings with 10 points from six matches, have shown remarkable consistency and resilience, registering five consecutive victories — the most recent being a thrilling Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals.
DC now head into a crucial day clash against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, aiming to tighten their grip on the top spot in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
DC's resurgence this season has been marked by their ability to close out tight matches and deliver under pressure. Their campaign began with a dramatic one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, where they were reeling at 113/6 chasing a steep target, only to be rescued by a sensational 66* off 31 balls from Ashutosh Sharma — a knock that has become symbolic of their never-say-die spirit.
Since then, Delhi have stitched together victories against formidable opponents, including Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their most recent triumph came in a high-octane Super Over thriller against Rajasthan Royals, where Mitchell Starc held his nerve to seal the win after the scores were tied at the end of regular play.
Starc's bowling, combined with Kuldeep Yadav’s middle-over control, has been instrumental in Delhi's march.
With a strong core of experienced campaigners and new additions clicking, Delhi's balance looks impeccable. KL Rahul has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring consistently including a brilliant 93* against RCB and 77 against CSK. His return to form and strategic value as a senior opener has brought stability to the top order.
Led by Axar Patel and bolstered by the form of youngsters like Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel, Delhi’s batting depth has ensured they can withstand early blows and still post or chase competitive totals.
On the other hand, Gujarat come into the contest placed second on the points table, with four wins and two losses. After a defeat to Punjab Kings in their opener, GT hit their stride with four straight wins before their streak was halted by LSG in their previous outing.
Sai Sudharsan has been a revelation at the top for GT, amassing 329 runs in six games — placing him among the tournament's leading run-scorers. The Tamil Nadu southpaw has consistently provided strong starts, while Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler have offered solidity and flair.
Gujarat's bowling has looked sharp with Mohammed Siraj spearheading the pace attack with 10 wickets, including a standout 3/19 spell against RCB. Supporting him are Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore, who have taken a combined 20 wickets and maintained pressure in the middle and death overs. However, Rashid Khan's subdued impact so far — with just four wickets — is a concern Gujarat will hope to address quickly.
Statistically, Delhi hold a slight edge in recent meetings, having won three of their last five encounters against Gujarat. Their last clash saw DC eke out a narrow four-run victory, further fuelling the anticipation for this contest.
The Narendra Modi Stadium has seen high-scoring encounters this season, with all three games at the venue won by teams batting first. Punjab Kings' mammoth 243 remains the highest total recorded here this season. The surface offers bounce for pacers and grip for spinners, but once batsmen get set, strokeplay becomes easier.
With the temperature expected to touch 42°C and no rain forecast, dew may play a role in the second innings, though early dryness could tilt the decision towards batting first.
With both teams showing tremendous form and tactical depth, Saturday's contest promises fireworks. Delhi's winning momentum and star performers make them slight favourites, but Gujarat's balanced squad and home advantage could make this a thrilling, neck-and-neck battle.
Probable XIs: Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma
UNI BDN ARN
Tags: #Streaking Capitals face Titan test in IPL clash
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