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Tag: Delhi Capitals

  • IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals’ match vs Punjab Kings starts after Tim Seifert tests COVID-19 positive

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The cloud over the IPL game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was lifted an hour before the game on Wednesday after the BCCI confirmed that the match will go on despite a sixth COVID positive case being reported in the Delhi camp on game day.

    New Zealand cricketer Tim Seifert testing positive on the morning of the game raised serious doubts over the fixture but the rest of the Delhi squad members returning two negative tests put the match back on track.

    “The entire Delhi Capitals contingent underwent 2 rounds of COVID testing today. Match No. 32 involving Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings scheduled today at Brabourne – CCI will go ahead as per the schedule after the second round of COVID tests returned negative today,” said the BCCI in a statement.

    High drama unfolded in the lead up to the game with Seifert becoming the sixth member from Delhi contingent to test positive. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh had tested positive on Monday. Punjab had reached the Brabourne Stadium on schedule but Delhi just about about managed to reach in nick of time.

    With Delhi players having to deal with stress and suspense caused by the COVID outbreak, it would be tough for them to just turn up and perform to their potential. “It is tough as we have got very little time to train after the last game,” said a player on the condition of anonymity.

    As per the IPL regulations, a minimum of 12 players including seven Indians are needed for the game to go ahead in case of a COVID outbreak. There is also an option to reschedule the game if the minimum player requirement is not met.

    The BCCI was on Tuesday forced to shift the game to Mumbai from Pune “to avoid any further incident due to any undetected case during a long-distance bus journey in a closed environment”. Delhi’s next game on April 22 has also been moved to Mumbai from Pune.

    “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced a change of venue for Match No.34 – Delhi Capital versus Rajasthan Royals from MCA Stadium, Pune to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai scheduled on April 22, 2022.

    “The decision on the change of venue was made as a precautionary measure after Delhi Capitals registered the 6th COVID case with New Zealand wicketkeeper Mr Tim Seifert returning positive in today’s RT-PCR testing,” BCCI added.

    Delhi physio Patrick Farhart and sports massage therapist Chetan Kumar had tested positive last week while Marsh, who is hospitalised, team doctor Abhijit Salvi and social media content team member Akash Mane returned positive tests on Monday.

    Seifert had also contracted the virus last season when he was with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Multiple cases across four teams had forced the organisers to suspended the IPL last season before it was completed in the UAE in September-October.

    MUMBAI: The cloud over the IPL game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was lifted an hour before the game on Wednesday after the BCCI confirmed that the match will go on despite a sixth COVID positive case being reported in the Delhi camp on game day.

    New Zealand cricketer Tim Seifert testing positive on the morning of the game raised serious doubts over the fixture but the rest of the Delhi squad members returning two negative tests put the match back on track.

    “The entire Delhi Capitals contingent underwent 2 rounds of COVID testing today. Match No. 32 involving Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings scheduled today at Brabourne – CCI will go ahead as per the schedule after the second round of COVID tests returned negative today,” said the BCCI in a statement.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    High drama unfolded in the lead up to the game with Seifert becoming the sixth member from Delhi contingent to test positive. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh had tested positive on Monday. Punjab had reached the Brabourne Stadium on schedule but Delhi just about about managed to reach in nick of time.

    With Delhi players having to deal with stress and suspense caused by the COVID outbreak, it would be tough for them to just turn up and perform to their potential. “It is tough as we have got very little time to train after the last game,” said a player on the condition of anonymity.

    As per the IPL regulations, a minimum of 12 players including seven Indians are needed for the game to go ahead in case of a COVID outbreak. There is also an option to reschedule the game if the minimum player requirement is not met.

    The BCCI was on Tuesday forced to shift the game to Mumbai from Pune “to avoid any further incident due to any undetected case during a long-distance bus journey in a closed environment”. Delhi’s next game on April 22 has also been moved to Mumbai from Pune.

    “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced a change of venue for Match No.34 – Delhi Capital versus Rajasthan Royals from MCA Stadium, Pune to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai scheduled on April 22, 2022.

    “The decision on the change of venue was made as a precautionary measure after Delhi Capitals registered the 6th COVID case with New Zealand wicketkeeper Mr Tim Seifert returning positive in today’s RT-PCR testing,” BCCI added.

    Delhi physio Patrick Farhart and sports massage therapist Chetan Kumar had tested positive last week while Marsh, who is hospitalised, team doctor Abhijit Salvi and social media content team member Akash Mane returned positive tests on Monday.

    Seifert had also contracted the virus last season when he was with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Multiple cases across four teams had forced the organisers to suspended the IPL last season before it was completed in the UAE in September-October.

  • Delhi Capitals’ Tim Seifert tests positive for COVID, tonight’s game against Punjab Kings under doubt

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The IPL game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on Wednesday evening has been put under serious doubt after wicket-keeper batter Tim Seifert tested positive for COVID-19.

    The New Zealand player is the second overseas cricketer in the Capitals team after Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to catch the infection, taking the overall count of positive cases to six.

    The positive case emerged after a fresh round of testing conducted on Wednesday morning, according to a BCCI source.

    “As far as we know, Tim Seifert of New Zealand has tested positive,” said a BCCI source.

    “We were tested in the morning and we will be tested again shortly. We continue to be isolated,” said a player on the condition of anonymity.

    Officials from the Punjab franchise told PTI the squad was ready to leave for the venue.

    As per the IPL regulations, a minimum of 12 players including seven Indians are needed for the game to go ahead in case of a COVID outbreak.

    There is also an option to reschedule the game if the minimum player requirement is not met.

    The BCCI was on Tuesday forced to shift the game to Mumbai from Pune “to avoid any further incident due to any undetected case during a long-distance bus journey in a closed environment”.

    Delhi physio Patrick Farhart and sports massage therapist Chetan Kumar had tested positive last week while Marsh, who is hospitalised, team doctor Abhijit Salvi and social media content team member Akash Mane returned positive tests on Monday.

    Seifert had also contracted the virus last season when he was with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

    Multiple cases across four teams had forced the organisers to suspended the IPL last season before it was completed in the UAE in September-October.

  • IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals’ match vs Punjab Kings starts after Tim Seifert tests COVID-19 positive

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: The cloud over the IPL game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was lifted an hour before the game on Wednesday after the BCCI confirmed that the match will go on despite a sixth COVID positive case being reported in the Delhi camp on game day.

    New Zealand cricketer Tim Seifert testing positive on the morning of the game raised serious doubts over the fixture but the rest of the Delhi squad members returning two negative tests put the match back on track.

    “The entire Delhi Capitals contingent underwent 2 rounds of COVID testing today. Match No. 32 involving Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings scheduled today at Brabourne – CCI will go ahead as per the schedule after the second round of COVID tests returned negative today,” said the BCCI in a statement.

    High drama unfolded in the lead up to the game with Seifert becoming the sixth member from Delhi contingent to test positive. Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh had tested positive on Monday. Punjab had reached the Brabourne Stadium on schedule but Delhi just about about managed to reach in nick of time.

    With Delhi players having to deal with stress and suspense caused by the COVID outbreak, it would be tough for them to just turn up and perform to their potential. “It is tough as we have got very little time to train after the last game,” said a player on the condition of anonymity.

    As per the IPL regulations, a minimum of 12 players including seven Indians are needed for the game to go ahead in case of a COVID outbreak. There is also an option to reschedule the game if the minimum player requirement is not met.

    The BCCI was on Tuesday forced to shift the game to Mumbai from Pune “to avoid any further incident due to any undetected case during a long-distance bus journey in a closed environment”. Delhi’s next game on April 22 has also been moved to Mumbai from Pune.

    “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced a change of venue for Match No.34 – Delhi Capital versus Rajasthan Royals from MCA Stadium, Pune to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai scheduled on April 22, 2022.

    “The decision on the change of venue was made as a precautionary measure after Delhi Capitals registered the 6th COVID case with New Zealand wicketkeeper Mr Tim Seifert returning positive in today’s RT-PCR testing,” BCCI added.

    Delhi physio Patrick Farhart and sports massage therapist Chetan Kumar had tested positive last week while Marsh, who is hospitalised, team doctor Abhijit Salvi and social media content team member Akash Mane returned positive tests on Monday.

    Seifert had also contracted the virus last season when he was with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Multiple cases across four teams had forced the organisers to suspended the IPL last season before it was completed in the UAE in September-October.

  • More all-rounders you have, better it is for any team in T20s: Delhi Capitals pacer Shardul Thakur

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: When it comes to all-rounders, more the merrier, feels Delhi Capitals’ Shardul Thakur, who feels that multi-skilled cricketers become key when specialists fail in one department.

    The Capitals have all-rounders in abundance including the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mandeep Singh and Thakur himself.

    “We have great depth in our batting. The more all-rounders are there, the better it is for any team in T20s.

    “If we lose quick wickets at the top, then the role of the players batting at 6,7 & 8 becomes important,” Thakur was quoted as saying in a DC media release.

    Thakur, who has made vital contributions with ball and bat in the ongoing IPL so far, said he aims to make an impact in every match.

    “The environment within the team is quite good. There are a lot of youngsters in the team and we are all friends as we’ve been playing together for some time. I like to make an impact in every match I play and that’s why I play with a lot of energy,” Thakur said.

    The Capitals are currently placed sixth in the league table having won two of their four matches.

    “The team is moving in the right direction and our Head Coach Ricky Ponting has always told us to play our natural game no matter what the situation is. He backs us so we always try to give our best.”

    The seam bowling all-rounder, who has represented India in 25 T20Is, has impressed everyone with the ball and the bat.

    “I look to enjoy playing cricket. I have worked hard to reach this stage so I don’t want to put myself under any kind of pressure. Even when the crowd cheers for our opponents in the stadium, I look to enjoy those situations.”

  • More all-rounders you have, better it is for any team in T20s: Delhi Capitals pacer Shardul Thakur

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: When it comes to all-rounders, more the merrier, feels Delhi Capitals’ Shardul Thakur, who feels that multi-skilled cricketers become key when specialists fail in one department.

    The Capitals have all-rounders in abundance including the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mandeep Singh and Thakur himself.

    “We have great depth in our batting. The more all-rounders are there, the better it is for any team in T20s.

    “If we lose quick wickets at the top, then the role of the players batting at 6,7 & 8 becomes important,” Thakur was quoted as saying in a DC media release.

    Thakur, who has made vital contributions with ball and bat in the ongoing IPL so far, said he aims to make an impact in every match.

    “The environment within the team is quite good. There are a lot of youngsters in the team and we are all friends as we’ve been playing together for some time. I like to make an impact in every match I play and that’s why I play with a lot of energy,” Thakur said.

    The Capitals are currently placed sixth in the league table having won two of their four matches.

    “The team is moving in the right direction and our Head Coach Ricky Ponting has always told us to play our natural game no matter what the situation is. He backs us so we always try to give our best.”

    The seam bowling all-rounder, who has represented India in 25 T20Is, has impressed everyone with the ball and the bat.

    “I look to enjoy playing cricket. I have worked hard to reach this stage so I don’t want to put myself under any kind of pressure. Even when the crowd cheers for our opponents in the stadium, I look to enjoy those situations.”

    MUMBAI: When it comes to all-rounders, more the merrier, feels Delhi Capitals’ Shardul Thakur, who feels that multi-skilled cricketers become key when specialists fail in one department.

    The Capitals have all-rounders in abundance including the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mandeep Singh and Thakur himself.

    “We have great depth in our batting. The more all-rounders are there, the better it is for any team in T20s.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “If we lose quick wickets at the top, then the role of the players batting at 6,7 & 8 becomes important,” Thakur was quoted as saying in a DC media release.

    Thakur, who has made vital contributions with ball and bat in the ongoing IPL so far, said he aims to make an impact in every match.

    “The environment within the team is quite good. There are a lot of youngsters in the team and we are all friends as we’ve been playing together for some time. I like to make an impact in every match I play and that’s why I play with a lot of energy,” Thakur said.

    The Capitals are currently placed sixth in the league table having won two of their four matches.

    “The team is moving in the right direction and our Head Coach Ricky Ponting has always told us to play our natural game no matter what the situation is. He backs us so we always try to give our best.”

    The seam bowling all-rounder, who has represented India in 25 T20Is, has impressed everyone with the ball and the bat.

    “I look to enjoy playing cricket. I have worked hard to reach this stage so I don’t want to put myself under any kind of pressure. Even when the crowd cheers for our opponents in the stadium, I look to enjoy those situations.”

  • Bowlers in powerplay have done a fantastic job: Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, the architect of the 44-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday, credited the team’s superb victory to the pace bowlers’ performance in powerplay.

    Kuldeep, who grabbed four wickets for 35 runs as Delhi Capitals restricted the two-time IPL champions to 171 in 19.4 overs in the chase of a mammoth 215, said that relentless pressure in powerplay by the quicks was bearing fruit.

    While Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman returned an economical spell, Khaleel Ahmed devastated the KKR top order with his 3/25 in four overs as DC notched their second win in four games.

    “Our bowling performance has been our biggest positive this season. When we were bowling against Mumbai Indians in our first match, it looked like they were going to score over 200 at one point, but we restricted them to a total of 177/5. The fast bowlers have been bowling really well. They kept the pressure on the opposition in the powerplay against KKR, which allowed us to bowl freely later on.”

    Kuldeep, who was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his four-wicket effort, took an amazing running catch to dismiss Umesh Yadav off his own bowling.

    “I knew that only I could go for that catch. The ball was quite far away from everyone else. I kept my eye on the ball throughout while running for the catch and managed to reach for the ball in the end. The catch felt really good,” said Kuldeep.

    The Delhi Capitals have a five-day break before their next match. When asked about the importance of the victory against KKR before a long break, the wrist spinner said, “These two points were really important for us. The morale in the team will be high as we prepare to play for our next game on Saturday. This win will ensure that there is positive energy in the camp during our five-day break.”

    Delhi Capitals will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on April 16.

  • Bowlers in powerplay have done a fantastic job: Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, the architect of the 44-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday, credited the team’s superb victory to the pace bowlers’ performance in powerplay.

    Kuldeep, who grabbed four wickets for 35 runs as Delhi Capitals restricted the two-time IPL champions to 171 in 19.4 overs in the chase of a mammoth 215, said that relentless pressure in powerplay by the quicks was bearing fruit.

    While Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman returned an economical spell, Khaleel Ahmed devastated the KKR top order with his 3/25 in four overs as DC notched their second win in four games.

    “Our bowling performance has been our biggest positive this season. When we were bowling against Mumbai Indians in our first match, it looked like they were going to score over 200 at one point, but we restricted them to a total of 177/5. The fast bowlers have been bowling really well. They kept the pressure on the opposition in the powerplay against KKR, which allowed us to bowl freely later on.”

    Kuldeep, who was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his four-wicket effort, took an amazing running catch to dismiss Umesh Yadav off his own bowling.

    “I knew that only I could go for that catch. The ball was quite far away from everyone else. I kept my eye on the ball throughout while running for the catch and managed to reach for the ball in the end. The catch felt really good,” said Kuldeep.

    The Delhi Capitals have a five-day break before their next match. When asked about the importance of the victory against KKR before a long break, the wrist spinner said, “These two points were really important for us. The morale in the team will be high as we prepare to play for our next game on Saturday. This win will ensure that there is positive energy in the camp during our five-day break.”

    Delhi Capitals will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on April 16.

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, the architect of the 44-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday, credited the team’s superb victory to the pace bowlers’ performance in powerplay.

    Kuldeep, who grabbed four wickets for 35 runs as Delhi Capitals restricted the two-time IPL champions to 171 in 19.4 overs in the chase of a mammoth 215, said that relentless pressure in powerplay by the quicks was bearing fruit.

    While Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman returned an economical spell, Khaleel Ahmed devastated the KKR top order with his 3/25 in four overs as DC notched their second win in four games.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Our bowling performance has been our biggest positive this season. When we were bowling against Mumbai Indians in our first match, it looked like they were going to score over 200 at one point, but we restricted them to a total of 177/5. The fast bowlers have been bowling really well. They kept the pressure on the opposition in the powerplay against KKR, which allowed us to bowl freely later on.”

    Kuldeep, who was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his four-wicket effort, took an amazing running catch to dismiss Umesh Yadav off his own bowling.

    “I knew that only I could go for that catch. The ball was quite far away from everyone else. I kept my eye on the ball throughout while running for the catch and managed to reach for the ball in the end. The catch felt really good,” said Kuldeep.

    The Delhi Capitals have a five-day break before their next match. When asked about the importance of the victory against KKR before a long break, the wrist spinner said, “These two points were really important for us. The morale in the team will be high as we prepare to play for our next game on Saturday. This win will ensure that there is positive energy in the camp during our five-day break.”

    Delhi Capitals will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on April 16.

  • Shreyas Iyer praises Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw for his knock against KKR

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: After facing a defeat against Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer praised his rival batter Prithvi Shaw and called him a player who can the change the game in the powerplay.

    Delhi Capitals registered a comprehensive 44 run win against Kolkata Knight Riders here at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday.

    “Prithvi Shaw is a type of batsman who can change the game in the powerplay. I’ve played with him before, obviously. He hits the good shots and even as a captain, I can’t figure out how to set the field for him,” Shreyas said in the post-match press conference.

    “Prithvi is someone who doesn’t go really big against spinners. Since he got a really good start, I tried to restrict the momentum that they got. I thought Varun and Sunil are really experienced bowlers, and they could have restricted at that point of time and give us a good hold,” he added.

    The skipper further said that his side need to focus on their batting, in order to win in games with such high targets.

    “Absolutely not worried about the starts we’re getting. But when you’re chasing 214-215 you need to get off to a really good start. And, you know, you can’t think twice about what the bowler is going to bowl because you have to have that attacking mindset right from ball one and one mistake can get you out as a batsman,” said Shreyas.

    “I wouldn’t blame anyone in this particular chase. But, yes, we have this history in the last few games that we didn’t get really good starts and obviously that is also something we need to work on. And this is just the early stage of the tournament. So, you know, once we start practising more, start executing stuff really well on the field, I think, things will be really taken care of pretty well,” he added.

    Delhi Capitals not only excelled with the bat but they also were brilliant with the ball and the standout performer was chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav who bagged four wickets and also for the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

    Rishabh Pant led Delhi registered their second win of the season and now they have two wins from four matches.

  • Shreyas Iyer praises Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw for his knock against KKR

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: After facing a defeat against Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer praised his rival batter Prithvi Shaw and called him a player who can the change the game in the powerplay.

    Delhi Capitals registered a comprehensive 44 run win against Kolkata Knight Riders here at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday.

    “Prithvi Shaw is a type of batsman who can change the game in the powerplay. I’ve played with him before, obviously. He hits the good shots and even as a captain, I can’t figure out how to set the field for him,” Shreyas said in the post-match press conference.

    “Prithvi is someone who doesn’t go really big against spinners. Since he got a really good start, I tried to restrict the momentum that they got. I thought Varun and Sunil are really experienced bowlers, and they could have restricted at that point of time and give us a good hold,” he added.

    The skipper further said that his side need to focus on their batting, in order to win in games with such high targets.

    “Absolutely not worried about the starts we’re getting. But when you’re chasing 214-215 you need to get off to a really good start. And, you know, you can’t think twice about what the bowler is going to bowl because you have to have that attacking mindset right from ball one and one mistake can get you out as a batsman,” said Shreyas.

    “I wouldn’t blame anyone in this particular chase. But, yes, we have this history in the last few games that we didn’t get really good starts and obviously that is also something we need to work on. And this is just the early stage of the tournament. So, you know, once we start practising more, start executing stuff really well on the field, I think, things will be really taken care of pretty well,” he added.

    Delhi Capitals not only excelled with the bat but they also were brilliant with the ball and the standout performer was chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav who bagged four wickets and also for the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

    Rishabh Pant led Delhi registered their second win of the season and now they have two wins from four matches.

    MUMBAI: After facing a defeat against Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer praised his rival batter Prithvi Shaw and called him a player who can the change the game in the powerplay.

    Delhi Capitals registered a comprehensive 44 run win against Kolkata Knight Riders here at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday.

    “Prithvi Shaw is a type of batsman who can change the game in the powerplay. I’ve played with him before, obviously. He hits the good shots and even as a captain, I can’t figure out how to set the field for him,” Shreyas said in the post-match press conference.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Prithvi is someone who doesn’t go really big against spinners. Since he got a really good start, I tried to restrict the momentum that they got. I thought Varun and Sunil are really experienced bowlers, and they could have restricted at that point of time and give us a good hold,” he added.

    The skipper further said that his side need to focus on their batting, in order to win in games with such high targets.

    “Absolutely not worried about the starts we’re getting. But when you’re chasing 214-215 you need to get off to a really good start. And, you know, you can’t think twice about what the bowler is going to bowl because you have to have that attacking mindset right from ball one and one mistake can get you out as a batsman,” said Shreyas.

    “I wouldn’t blame anyone in this particular chase. But, yes, we have this history in the last few games that we didn’t get really good starts and obviously that is also something we need to work on. And this is just the early stage of the tournament. So, you know, once we start practising more, start executing stuff really well on the field, I think, things will be really taken care of pretty well,” he added.

    Delhi Capitals not only excelled with the bat but they also were brilliant with the ball and the standout performer was chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav who bagged four wickets and also for the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

    Rishabh Pant led Delhi registered their second win of the season and now they have two wins from four matches.

  • Quinton de Kock dazzles as Lucknow Super Giants slay Delhi Capitals

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: Quinton de Kock showed imperious form in his 80 off 52 balls as Lucknow Super Giants outplayed Delhi Capitals by six wickets for their third successive win in their debut IPL season here on Thursday.

    Delhi Capitals lost their way after a sizzling knock from Prithvi Shaw (61 off 31) to end at 149 for 3 after Lucknow predictably decided to field first.

    With the resources that Lucknow possess, 150 should have been a comfortable chase and the K L Rahul-led side made sure it was, getting home with two balls to spare on a tricky surface.

    De Kock was at his destructive best as he shared a 73-run stand with his opening partner Rahul (24 off 25).

    The South African wicketkeeper-batter was particularly harsh on compatriot Anrich Nortje who was playing his first game since November.

    The fit again pacer, playing his first IPL game in India, was smashed for three fours and a six by de Kock in an over leaking 19 runs.

    In what turned out to be a forgettable night for Nortje, the South African pacer had to be taken off the attack later after bowling two waist-high no balls.

    After Rahul’s fall, his team needed 76 off the last 10 overs.

    De Kock, who collected nine fours and two sixes, put the team on the cusp of victory with his second 50-plus score of the tournament.

    With the pitch not the easiest one to bat on, Lucknow struggled to finish the game with even the in-form Deepak Hooda and experienced Krunal Pandya not finding the big hits.

    Lucknow eventually managed to get the job done with the young Ayush Badoni hitting the decisive four and a six off Shardul Thakur in the final over.

    Earlier, Shaw’s knock was all class before Lucknow bounced back in the game with an impressive bowling performance.

    Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/22) was the standout performer for the new IPL entrants.

    David Warner (4 off 12), returning to the franchise where he made his IPL debut back in 2009, struggled in his first innings of the season.

    Off-spinner K Gowtham (1/23) was given the ball in the second over and Shaw did not let him settle, dispatching a full ball over cover for his first four of the innings.

    Jason Holder was at the receiving end in the following over when Shaw pulled him for a six over mid-wicket.

    Then came the turn of pacer Avesh Khan who was hammered for three consecutive fours in the fourth over.

    It seemed Shaw was batting on a different surface while the others struggled around him.

    He used his quick hands to cut the ball and was equally quick to drive anything full over cover.

    It was a promising powerplay for Capitals who reached 52 for no loss in six overs.

    However, Lucknow fought back after the powerplay with wickets of Shaw, Warner and Rovman Powell (3 off 10) in a space of 18 balls.

    Shaw was caught behind off Gowtham after he hit him for a straight six.

    Warner fell to a poor shot off Bishnoi and Powell saw his stumps disturbed as he went for the slog-sweep off a googly from the young leg-spinner, leaving Capitals at 74 for three in the 11th over.

    The onus was on skipper Rishabh Pant (39 not out off 36) to take the team to a respectable total and he did that in the company of Sarfaraz Khan (36 not out off 28) who was playing his debut game for the franchise.

    Pant mainly targeted the straight boundaries and Sarfaraz, without taking much risks, showed skills that has fetched him a bagful of runs in domestic cricket.