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Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a nine-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 29 (Saturday). Chasing a daunting target of 198 runs, the Delhi-based franchise scored 188/6 in 20 overs. After losing skipper David Warner on the second ball of the innings, Delhi rode on a 112-run partnership between Phil Salt and Mitchell Marsh to get their run chase back on track but lost momentum after losing wickets in a heap.
In-former Axar Patel came out to bat at No.7, a decision that surprised fans and pundits. DC skipper Warner was criticised for holding Axar back, ultimately hampering the franchise from completing the run chase. Warner explained the decision to send Axar at No.7 after his team lost the game.
"He (Axar) is in good touch and good form, but for us it's about we got off to a good start and him at the back end... we knew it would be vital with their spinners spinning into left-handers and we only had me and Axar (left-handed batters)," Warner told the broadcaster after the match.
"We had two guys going at that point and holding Axar back at the back end, it can be difficult but there are challenges that present us when we're actually in the moment and maybe we can think about that, sending him earlier," he added.
DC are in complete disarray as the franchise is rooted at the bottom of the points table. Warner's men have lost six of the eight matches played so far and are all but out of the playoff race. Warner urged senior players to take responsibility in the remaining matches of the season.
"We just have to build momentum through the middle with the bat. We need one or two players to get 80-plus scores and win games for us. We've been losing too many wickets throughout the middle and that's where we're suffering a little bit. Our senior players have to take responsibility. One of us has to get a big total and then it takes care of itself from there," Warner said.
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