Star Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, alongside teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dismantled Delhi Capitals for a mere 75 runs, steering the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the Indian Premier League.
Just two days after posting a formidable 2-264 against the Punjab Kings, the Capitals faced their third-lowest score in IPL history.
Experienced bowler Hazlewood finished with figures of 4-12, while Kumar claimed 3-5.
Delhi’s captain, Axar Patel, expressed his disbelief, saying, “I still cannot comprehend what unfolded.”
“In cricket… you can never afford to relax, not even for a single day.”
Josh Hazlewood from Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrates the wicket of Sameer Rizvi for Delhi Capitals. AP
Bengaluru avenged their earlier home defeat to Delhi with a dominant performance, chasing down the target in just 6.3 overs, finishing at 1-77. Virat Kohli, the IPL’s only player to surpass 8000 runs, notched an unbeaten 23, becoming the first to reach 9000 IPL runs.
Kohli sealed the victory in style, smashing back-to-back sixes off Thangarasu Natarajan.
Devdutt Padikkal added to the momentum with a rapid 34 not out from just 13 balls, including two sixes and two fours during one over faced against Kyle Jamieson.
“I’m just as surprised by how everything unfolded,” remarked Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar.
Hazlewood and Kumar showcased superb swing bowling and deadly yorkers that dismantled Delhi’s batting order with ease.
After a challenging home summer during which Hazlewood missed the Ashes series and opted out of the T20 World Cup due to injury, he stated, “When the ball is hard and new, it’s tough to score runs.”
“Last year, we quickly assessed the conditions and adjusted our game plans. It feels like we’re finding our rhythm again at just the right moment.”
The home side was reeling at 6-8 within the initial 23 deliveries of the match.
Impact player Abishek Porel emerged as the top scorer for Delhi with 30 runs, aiding the team to surpass their previous lowest total of 66 runs set in 2017.
Josh Hazlewood celebrates taking the wicket of Abishek Porel from Delhi Capitals. AP
Kumar struck early, sending debutant Sahil Parakh’s middle stump flying on just the second ball, with Hazlewood following up by removing Saturday’s century-taker Lokesh Rahul and Sameer Rizvi in consecutive deliveries.
Delhi’s woes continued as they lost half their side for just five runs within 16 balls, with Kumar taking crucial edges from Tristan Stubbs and Patel.
Hazlewood completed the carnage, catching Nitish Rana’s glove for a catch to wide slip in the fourth over.
Bengaluru currently sits second on the points table, boasting six wins from eight matches, while Delhi languishes in seventh place.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
