Delhi Capitals won their sixth match of IPL 2022 to stay in the hunt for the playoffs but skipper Rishabh Pant said he missed Prithvi Shaw in the set-up. On Wednesday, DC crushed Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s all-round heroics and a skillful half-century by David Warner.
Mitchell Marsh starred with 2 for 25 and a 62-ball 89 while David Warner remained not out on 52 as DC aced a 161-run chase with 11 balls to spare. But Rishabh Pant said Prithvi Shaw’s absence has left a gaping hole.
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Prithvi Shaw last played for DC this season in the game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 1. His replacement Srikar Bharat got out for a duck against RR on Wednesday but the Marsh-Warner partnership helped DC secure victory.
“We miss him but we can’t control that. He has typhoid or something like that is what the doctor told me,” Pant told Star Sports after the match.
Delhi Capitals have kept themselves in the hunt for a place in the playoffs after their massive victory. DC have been inconsistent in their campaign which has also been plagued by a few Covid-19 cases in the camp.
A few days before their drubbing at the hands of defending champions Chennai Super Kings, DC had thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad thanks to David Warner’s 92 not out and an explosive half-century from Rovman Powell.
Rishabh Pant said DC’s clinical victory over RR was close to a perfect game but he added there was always some room for improvement.
“It was close to a perfect game as I believe there is always space for improvement. On these kinds of wickets where there is little turn, you can go either way.
“I am happy we bowled first. I thought 140-160 was a good score and said so at the toss. And we got there. Destiny is always on your hands, you can look to give 100 percent. The fielding could be better, but this was close to a perfect game,” he said.
On Wednesday, David Warner hit another half-century but the bigger impact was made by Mitchell Marsh who picked 2 for 25 in 3 overs and then hammered 89 off 62 balls. Warner and Marsh added 144 for the second wicket after losing Srikar Bharat for a duck in the second ball of the innings.
Delhi Capitals have two more games left in the group stage and they can now go to a maximum of 16 points.
With 12 points from 12 matches, DC are likely to make RR and Royal Challengers Bangalore (both on 14 points from 12 games).
Delhi Capitals next take on Punjab Kings on May 16 before completing their group stage with a clash against Mumbai Indians (May 21) who are already out of contention for the playoffs.
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