Sai Sudharsan stays cool, guides Titans past Capitals
The Hindu
Chasing 163, Titans traded the creamy layer of their batting for some quick runs
A batting-friendly pitch surrounded by square boundaries of 65 metres appeared a perfect stage for a run-fest. With the top-order batters from both sides promising a great deal, the bowlers obviously were in an unenviable position.
However, if the Delhi Capitals-Gujarat Titans clash stayed alive as a contest longer than expected, it was only because the batters from both teams got carried away.
Put in, Capitals were let down by its batters. Later, chasing 163, Titans traded the creamy layer of their batting for some quick runs. That was when Capitals’ hopes got rekindled, but B. Sai Sudharsan changed the script to take Titans to a six-wicket victory. This was Hardik’s men’s 10th successful finish in 11 chases.
Titans made the first surge after the Tamil Nadu duo of Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar — separated by 11 years — joined hands at 54 for three at the end of the PowerPlay.
This left-right combination held its nerve and gradually seized the advantage. The duo minimised risk without compromising on flamboyance and sense of purpose during their 53-run stand.
Sai Sudharsan, whose breathtaking 69-metre scoop-six off a 144-kmph delivery from Anrich Nortje proved the shot of the evening, was a class act.
His stroke selection and execution stood out as he soaked in the pressure to help his team cross the finish line and emerge as the Player-of-the-Match.