Axar, Hetmyer key drivers in tight win for Delhi Capitals
Batting slowdown costs Chennai Super Kings, who've lost two in a row
Batting slowdown costs Chennai Super Kings, who've lost two in a row
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: @himanshu_a30
Another tight finish, but Capitals now go up to No. 1 in the points table with 20 points. Super Kings down to No. 2, as both these sides aim for a top-two finish. Anyway, it is the fourth spot for the playoffs that looks up for grabs at the moment, and so do join us for the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians tomorrow. Until then, it is goodnight and goodbye from our side!
Axar Patel is the Player of the Match for his 2 for 18: "It is difficult to assess the length and line, and the pace of the ball [on such pitches]. I thought they scored five or ten runs less in the powerplay. Hetmyer and I were discussing that they would bowl wide yorkers according to their field. Batting is your confidence booster, especially since we will be going to the playoffs. This confidence then helps you later."
Here's the winning captain Pant: "Not a bad birthday present, but in the end we made it tough for us. Prithvi got us to a decent start... We were always in the chase since it was a low total. Shikhar started well... [Ashwin at No 6?] Just to keep the left-right combination, that's it! Absolutely big win, and want to be absolutely sure we finish in the top two."
Time for the presentations
Mohan dalai: "Everyone is saying CSK should regroup and think about 2 losses, but I think DC is the team should regroup and think on their batting ,last 2 games they got lucky to cross the line and win"
Raunak: "CSK don't seem invincible, last ball win against KKR, shellacked by RR, last over loss to DC, lots to ponder"
As Ask Cricinfo reminds us, this is Capitals' fourth successive win against Super Kings.
SuGP: "CSK need to regroup here, 2 losses in a row. "
Hetmyer after that finish: "It's very important [to finish off games]. I was thinking I was out [when the catch was dropped], but the guy missed it. [Plan against Bravo?] For me it was easy. I have had lot of practice in the CPL. I tried to go as straight as possible."
ARM: "MSD has got to stop sending himself up the order before Jadeja, has cost CSK some crucial runs today."
Here's Dhoni speaking after the loss: "We were looking to get close to 150. After we lost a few wickets - and around the 15-16 over wicket - we were looking good. There were shots played... and if it had come down to eight or ten deliveries, it could have made a difference. It's a two-paced wicket - some balls come to you and some don't. It's not a placid wicket where you can play your shots. I felt the taller bowlers where the ones who were getting that movement. It was a very good effort [by the bowlers]. But it was important not to give away too many in the first six overs."
shoeb arif: "CSK losing steam towards the business end of the tournament just like DC last year.. "
Sathish: "Gautam is going to have sleepless nights!"
9.36pm So another tense finish in a low-scoring affair in the UAE. A very calm and calculated effort from Hetmyer with 28 not out from 18 balls. Otherwise, only Dhawan contributed with a respectable score of 39, as Capitals bag two more points to boost their chances of a top-two finish. Thakur was outstanding for Super Kings - and Jadeja was pretty good too - but in vain.
And he doesn't bowl after running in all the way...
Long-off back
Rabada is the new man. Bravo around the wicket.
AR Patel c Ali b Bravo 5 (28m 10b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
Dhoni wants his helmet to stand up to the stumps to ensure Hetmyer stays inside his crease.
Can Bravo defend six in the final over?
LP: "Gowtham was in for whom?" --- For Rayudu.
The Delhi Capitals yorker specialist talks about his rapport with Rishabh Pant, earning Ricky Ponting's praise, and some key wickets he has taken this season
Coach says CSK's slowdown was due to the challenging conditions, "not lack of intent"
Batting slowdown costs Chennai Super Kings, who've lost two in a row
Get your dose of stats, colour and analysis on Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings on ESPNcricinfo's live blog
Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni will both be keen to get two shots at a place in the IPL final