Delhi Capitals went down by a single run to Gujarat Titans in Match 14 of the Indian Premier League at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, as skipper Axar Patel admitted that his team could have handled the run chase more intelligently. Despite a strong push in their pursuit of 211, DC suffered their first setback of the season, with KL Rahul’s 92 drawing praise alongside David Miller’s determined finishing effort.
Axar Patel’s verdict after the narrow loss
In the post-match presentation, Axar Patel reflected on how evenly contested the game was, while pointing to moments in the chase where the outcome could have swung DC’s way.
- Patel said both sides produced “very good cricket” and that close contests often come down to fine margins.
- He added that DC, while chasing, had opportunities to play smarter.
- According to Patel, the crucial phase when wickets fell had a major impact, and had that period gone differently, DC could have finished the chase earlier.
Gujarat Titans’ batting: 210/4 set the chase
Delhi Capitals chose to bowl first and Gujarat Titans made the most of their innings, reaching 210/4. The platform was built by a trio of impactful contributions that kept the scoreboard moving throughout.
- Shubman Gill scored 70 off 45 balls, striking four boundaries and five sixes.
- Washington Sundar made 55 off 32 balls, with six fours and two sixes.
- Jos Buttler contributed 52 off 27 balls, including three fours and five sixes.
DC chase report: Rahul’s 92, Nissanka and Miller keep them alive
In reply, DC were paced by KL Rahul’s 92, while Pathum Nissanka and David Miller ensured the chase stayed within reach. Ultimately, the contest ended with DC agonisingly short.
- KL Rahul struck 92 in 52 balls, laced with 11 fours and four sixes.
- Pathum Nissanka scored 41 off 24 balls, featuring six fours and one six.
- David Miller made 41* off 20 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
What Axar Patel said about KL Rahul
Patel also singled out Rahul’s innings, describing how the batter maintained momentum after a promising start and ensured the run rate stayed under control even as wickets came.
- He noted that Rahul played a strong knock and built momentum after the powerplay phase.
- Patel said that when wickets fell, Rahul kept the chase moving from his end.
- He added that Rahul did not allow the scoring rate to drop, calling it “very good batting”.
- Patel concluded by saying DC were playing good cricket and expected to get the job done in the next match.
The final over drama: two needed, then a run-out
The finish was decided in the last moments. During the final over of the chase, Miller missed a single on the penultimate delivery, which left DC needing two runs off the last ball. With one more opportunity remaining, the decisive ball did not yield the required runs, and Kuldeep was run out by Jos Buttler while attempting a single.
Table impact: DC fourth, GT sixth after Match 14
The result shaped both teams’ standings as the season progressed.
- Delhi Capitals sit fourth on the points table with two wins and one loss.
- Gujarat Titans move to sixth place, having won one match and lost two.
