Having won the toss, the Delhi Capitals made a strong start, reaching 80/0 in the initial eight overs. However, their momentum waned as both openers, David Warner and Prithvi Shaw, fell post the powerplay.
Nonetheless, Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant stabilized the innings, constructing a steady 31-run partnership, guiding their team to 129/2 by the 14th over. The game took a dramatic turn when MS Dhoni reintroduced Matheesha Pathirana to bowl the 15th over.
In a dazzling display of skill, Pathirana delivered a blistering 150 kmph yorker on the fourth delivery, dislodging Marsh’s stumps. Undeterred, the 21-year-old followed up with another immaculate yorker on the last ball, dismissing Tristan Stubbs with equal precision.
The ball, again clocking around 150 kmph, shattered the middle stump, leaving the 23-year-old South African batsman stunned. Outsmarting two renowned T20 cricketers with precision and skill, Pathirana single-handedly brought CSK back into the contest.
Two contenders for the delivery of #TATAIPL 2024 🔥
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 31, 2024
Use #IPLonJioCinema and let us know which one is your favourite 🤩#DCvCSK #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/5Yz27oIvom
The cricketing community on Twitter erupted in praise for Pathirana’s game-changing performance, recognizing the young Sri Lankan pacer’s brilliance on the field.