Published: May 13, 2017, 11:48 AM (IST)
Edited: May 13, 2017, 11:48 AM (IST)
Posting a total of 168 runs on a two-paced Feroz Kotla pitch, Delhi Daredevils (DD) defended their total well against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) with a clinical performance. Ben Stokes, Manoj Tiwary and Steven Smith looked in top form, yet they failed to get their team past the line. With this loss, RPS not only have to wait for their chance to seal berth in the playoffs, but also have to depend on Gujarat Lions (GL) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) clash to change their fortunes. In halting RPS’ success rate, DD’s pacers Mohammed Shami and Zaheer Khan shared 4 wickets between them. Shami, who is returning after a long injury layoff, has been on top and is hopeful to maintain the rhythm until Champions Trophy 2017. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Delhi Daredevils (DD) vs Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), IPL 2017, Match 52 at Delhi
Speaking to iplt20.com/BCCI after the match, Shami explained the wicket of MS Dhoni. “It was a game-changing plan. We were trying to add pressure on Mahi bhai, who is always quick between the wickets. It was 50-50 situation but we managed to stop their game,” Shami said. He also went on to enlighten on his bowling strategy. “We have to keep various plans open, just in case the A plan does not work then one can go ahead with plan B. If we keep our width under control, it will be advantageous for us,” Shami quipped.
Shami is making comeback to the Indian side, especially in 50-over format, after ICC World Cup 2015. With his name announced for the Champions Trophy, Shami is excited to be a part of the squad and looks to maintain his IPL rhythm. “A person, who comes back after injury, has to ensure to play more and stay on the field as much as possible to get regain the lost mojo. So I am trying to build my confidence as much as possible especially from the perspective of Champions Trophy,” he said.
DD have had a topsy-turvy campaign so far. They gained a few victories initially but slumped in the middle, finding it difficult to make it to the playoffs. Shami added, “Our start was pathetic. We lost quite a few matches. You can say that we probably hit out brains at the right time. We do not have anything to lose. We were of the mindset that we need to win the remaining matches at hand and remain successful.”
