EXPLAINED: Why Rishabh Pant was adjudged 'Player of the Match' despite scoring just 16 runs in DC' record win over GT?

Delhi Capitals (DC), under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, continued their resurgence in the IPL 2024 with a dominating six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) on Wednesday, April 17. This win marked their second consecutive win and propelled them to the sixth position in the standings. Chasing a modest target of 90 runs, DC completed the chase in a mere 8.5 overs with 67 balls to spare. This dominant display across all facets of the game - batting, bowling, and fielding - highlighted the DC's newfound momentum. While Rishabh Pant has been in exceptional form throughout the 2024 IPL, the chase didn't require his full batting prowess. He came to the crease in the fifth over with only 25 runs needed and remained unbeaten on 16 runs from 11 balls. This win marked the Capitals' third victory of the season, and they are now firmly in the race for a playoff spot after a shaky start to their campaign.

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Rishabh Pant awarded Player of the Match despite scoring just 16 runs

Despite not needing a big batting performance from himself, Rishabh Pant was still deservedly named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution behind the stumps in DC's record-breaking win. During the post-match presentation, Darren Ganga explained that Pant's exceptional performances behind the stumps, with the bat, and as captain all factored into the decision. Pant had a stellar day with the gloves, taking two sharp catches and completing two crucial stumpings.  The dismissal of David Miller via catch and Abhinav Manohar via stumping were considered two of the finest displays of wicketkeeping in the season so far.

Talking about the match, electing to field first after winning the toss, DC's decision proved to be a masterstroke. Despite a fighting knock of 31 runs from 24 balls by Rashid Khan, the highest score for GT, the Titans' batting faltered. They couldn't build any meaningful partnerships, succumbing to a fiery bowling attack led by Mukesh Kumar (3/14), Ishant Sharma (2/8), and Tristan Stubbs (2/11). This bowling blitz restricted GT to a meager 89 runs in just 17.3 overs.

Pant reflected on his comeback in the post-match presentation. He expressed his happiness at being back and revealed that he feels progressively stronger with each match.

"The only thought process I had before coming to the field that I want to be coming in a better way. That's the only thought process was in my mind whenever I was going through my rehab process and hopefully with each and every match I am feeling much better. Loving to be back on the field," said Pant in the post match presentation.

 

"There are a lot of things to be pleased about. We talked about the thought process with each and every player and today our team showed that we can play in that fashion. Really happy to see that...One of the best performances. It's early in the tournament, I think we can improve each and every day as an individual but I think this has been so far one of our best bowling effort," Pant concluded.

 

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Notably, Rishabh Pant's DC clinched their biggest win ever in terms of balls remaining in IPL history, defeating the Titans with a whopping 67 balls to spare. This impressive win propelled them up the IPL 2024 standings, landing them comfortably in the sixth position. DC will next lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 20 while GT will clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 21.

 

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