'His performance was really inspiring': DC's Anrich Nortje lauds Indian pacer for flawless execution under pressure against SRH

Delhi Capitals (DC) held their nerve and registered a thrilling seven-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 24 (Monday).

SportsTak

• Tue • 25 Apr 2023

Delhi Capitals (DC) held their nerve and registered a thrilling seven-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 24 (Monday). Defending a mediocre score of 144/9, DC bowlers executed brilliantly under pressure and helped their team register only the second victory of the season. Anrich Nortje (2/33 in four overs) and Ishant Sharma (1/18) in three overs led DC's charge with the ball.

"Really happy to get the win, still not the ideal performance, a few runs short but the bowlers did really well. They were saying there's some inconsistency on the good lengths, that was the message. Trying to keep it as simple as possible, trying to focus on the target and go," said Nortje after the game.

While Nortje and Sharma did what they were supposed to do, it all boiled down to Mukesh Kumar in the end. The right-arm pacer was tasked to defend 13 runs in the last over against Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen. Mukesh bowled a stifling last over and conceded just five runs.

"He was very clear with the plans and he focused. He took his time and executed it well, that was really inspiring," Nortje added.

DC skipper David Warner also lauded Mukesh for showing great composure under pressure and delivering a match-winning final over.

"Mukesh there under pressure was absolutely amazing and our two spinners were great. You don't want them to get used to bowlers in back-to-back bowlers so if I can maneuver them around in the middle overs it can work," said Warner.

After starting the season with five consecutive defeats, Warner's men have now won back-to-back matches. Despite successive victories, the Capitals are stationed at the bottom of the points table. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad also have five defeats and two wins in seven matches played. Aiden Markram's men are currently ninth in the standings.