Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel admitted that Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding hitting, backed by valuable support from Heinrich Klaasen, made the difference as Sunrisers Hyderabad overpowered DC in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Patel felt his side’s bowlers executed their plans, but when the opposition plays with such impact and precision, there is only so much a team can do in reply. He also suggested that, despite the defeat, there is no immediate reason to overhaul the squad, arguing that a high-scoring surface can turn results into “off days” that should be moved past quickly.
Sharma struck his second Indian Premier League hundred in explosive fashion, while Klaasen delivered a brisk cameo to help Sunrisers Hyderabad post a formidable 242/2 against Delhi Capitals. In response, DC could not find a sustained rhythm: they lost wickets at regular intervals after early pressure, showing only short-lived resistance through the middle order before the chase slipped away.
Defending a total of 243, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Eshan Malinga produced a match-defining spell, taking four wickets to secure a comfortable 47-run win over Delhi Capitals.
Patel’s reaction after the match
Speaking after the game, Patel said that when a batter of Sharma’s caliber plays that kind of innings—and does it with proper execution—credit has to go to the opposition. He also pointed to the fact that Klaasen’s batting helped from the other end, reinforcing that the bowling unit could not be blamed for everything once the batting side was settled.
“If someone bats like that, and their execution isn’t lacking, credit must be given for such a performance. When Klaasen also contributes from the other side, then it’s not the bowlers’ fault. I told the bowlers the same thing: if you execute well, and after that he still plays a strong shot, then you can’t do much,” Patel said.
Patel also argued that the team should not be judged too harshly by this result. With DC having shown good form with both bat and ball, he felt the side’s approach should remain steady. He added that on a track that produces runs, this kind of outcome can be treated as a temporary setback rather than a signal to make changes immediately.
“Right now it doesn’t feel like changing the team. If you look at the cricket we’re playing, we are batting well and bowling well. When the wicket is so good, then this should be considered an off day and forgotten,” Patel added.
How the match unfolded
- Sunrisers Hyderabad began the contest with control, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling to keep Delhi Capitals under pressure throughout the chase.
- Abhishek Sharma powered the innings, reaching an explosive second IPL century, while Heinrich Klaasen’s quick cameo helped intensify the momentum.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad finished with a commanding 242/2 against Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad.
- Delhi’s chase started with early setbacks, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals as the pressure mounted.
- DC managed only brief resistance through the middle order but never recovered fully from the start, leaving them short of the target.
- In defence, Eshan Malinga delivered a standout four-wicket haul to help Sunrisers Hyderabad win by 47 runs.
Patel’s assessment summed up the key issue for DC: even if plans are followed and bowlers do their job, a batting display of that quality—especially when supported from the other end—can leave little margin for response on a pitch that offers runs.
