New Delhi, April 27 (UNI) In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Delhi Capitals set a new benchmark in the IPL 2024 season by amassing a formidable total of 257/4 against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk stole the show with a scintillating knock of 84 runs, exhibiting an impressive array of shots that included eleven boundaries and six maximums, achieving a staggering strike rate of 311.11.
His explosive innings laid the foundation for Delhi's imposing total, while Tristan Stubbs played a crucial role with an unbeaten 48 runs, featuring six fours and two sixes in his late onslaught.
The Delhi Capitals' innings was characterised by a relentless assault on the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, with notable contributions coming from Abishek Porel, Shai Hope, and captain Rishabh Pant.
Despite the efforts of Jasprit Bumrah (1-35) and Mohammad Nabi (1-20) to stem the flow of runs, Mumbai bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught from Delhi's batsmen.
Fraser-McGurk's blistering start set the tone early on, as he mercilessly dispatched the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground. His aggressive intent was complemented by Stubbs' calculated aggression, as Delhi Capitals reached their highest-ever IPL total, punctuated by a staggering 17 sixes.
The onslaught began right from the first over, with Fraser-McGurk announcing his intentions by plundering boundaries off the Mumbai bowlers. Despite a brief period of resistance from the Mumbai Indians' bowlers, Delhi's batsmen continued to pile on the runs, reaching the 100-run mark in just seven overs.
Fraser-McGurk's dismissal after a blistering 27-ball 84 provided a brief respite for Mumbai Indians, but Shai Hope took up the mantle of the assault, smashing five towering sixes in his 17-ball 41.
Captain Pant further accelerated the scoring with his aggressive strokeplay before falling victim to Bumrah's cunning bowling.
Stubbs then took charge in the latter stages of the innings, showcasing his versatility with an array of innovative strokes, including scoops and reverse sweeps. His late flourish, coupled with valuable contributions from Axar Patel, propelled Delhi Capitals past the 250-run mark.
With a mammoth total on the board, Delhi Capitals have firmly placed the pressure on Mumbai Indians, who now face a daunting task in their pursuit of victory. As the match enters the second innings, all eyes will be on Mumbai's batting lineup as they aim to chase down the imposing target set by Delhi. UNI BDN SSP