Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer has laid down the gauntlet for defending champions Chennai Super Kings following his side’s tense win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) Eliminator.
Chasing 163 for a win at Vizag on Wednesday, Delhi were cruising at 151-5 in the 18th over before a late stutter saw them lose three wickets in quick succession. The equation ultimately came down to two runs required off as many balls before Keemo Paul struck the winning boundary.
It was the first IPL play-off win for Delhi who have made the top four for the first time since 2012. It means that the Capitals will now take on three-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the second Qualifier on Friday at Vizag for a spot in the final against Mumbai Indians.
“I can’t express my emotions,” a relieved Iyer said after Delhi’s thrilling win.
We pulled off a thrilling chase last night to beat SRH in the Eliminator 😍
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 9, 2019
Witness the best images from our super victory at Vizag 📸
Full match album ➡️ https://t.co/8OHITRZQ6c#DCvSRH #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals #IPL #IPL2019 pic.twitter.com/M3D1uQ2Fl6
“It was such a pressure situation. I was just sitting with my teammates and it felt as if I’ve been sitting with them for years! Those last two overs it was like hell, to be honest.
“I could see the happiness in everyone’s faces, and it was an amazing feeling to see them coming out and expressing themselves. Obviously the joy we’re going to share after victory is going to be really good. And yes, hoping for another one against Chennai. We’re definitely not going to be intimidated by any team. Looking forward to the next game.”
CSK had previously prevailed over Delhi in both the league fixtures between the two sides. MS Dhoni and his men had emerged victors by six wickets in the away fixture at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium before registering a thumping 80-run win in the home clash at the Chepauk stadium.
