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Openers Prithvi Shaw and David Warner's fearless batting laid the foundation as Delhi Capitals out-batted Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs to notch up their second win in the IPL on Sunday.
On a batting belter, KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer's decision to put Delhi Capitals in backfired as they piled up 215 for five riding on half-centuries from Shaw (51 off 29 balls) and Warner (61 off 45 balls).
Then, riding on Kuldeep Yadav's stellar spell of 4/35, DC comprehensively defended a humongous total of 215 as they bundled out KKR to 171 in 19.4 overs. Kuldeep exacted a sweet revenge against a franchise that didn't treat him too well during his stint as his career came to a halt..
In the post match presentation Kuldeep said he is focusing on his rhythm ever since he came back into the Indian team.
"I am just focusing on my rhythm ever since I came back into the Indian team. The lengths were really good in all my wickets against both Shreyas and Cummins. The team is really backing me a lot. Rishabh has been very calm and has been guiding me from behind the stumps. I am enjoying a lot," Kuldeep said after being adjudged Player of the match.
The scoreboard pressure was always telling and Kuldeep's (4/35 in 4 overs), who is proving to be an asset for Capitals, decisively swung the match in the Rishabh Pant-led side's favour, getting opposition skipper Shreyas Iyer (54 off 33 balls) stumped with a left-arm wrist spinner's googly. Iyer had no clue as he came down the track and the ball turned away after pitching.
"I thought I'd reach the ball and I didn't want to leave my wicket. There wouldn't have been any regrets had I not taken it because I gave it my all. It is important to pause and think what you are bowling. It is a very good wicket to bat on and you need a lot of heart to bowl on it.
Pat Cummins didn't play any manic knock as a Kuldeep leg-break ended his stay and then he took a magnificent skier off his own bowling to cap off a superb evening under lights.
"The side boundaries are slightly longer and hence the lengths become very important. It was gripping, so I was mixing my pace as well. Shreyas was batting well and I wanted to make him guess. It was a very big wicket. I thought his wicket was personally very important. He was the main batsman for the team. I am not trying too much," he further added.
