It was Delhi’s sixth defeat in eight matches. They had started their campaign on a disastrous note with five consecutive defeats, followed by two wins.
Hyderabad got a much-needed win after three losses in a row. Abhishek Sharma starred for SRH with an all-round performance of 67 off 36 balls and 1/26.
Chasing 198 to win, Delhi’s run-chase fell apart in the back end of their innings, after their Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh had put them on course with his 39-ball 63, following his four-wicket haul (4/27).
“We were off a bit with the ball, but I think Mitch Marsh bowled fantastic. He was our best bowler. To come up nine runs short is disappointing. I don’t think the pitch slowed down a lot; they took the pace off (the ball). When you lose wickets in the middle, it can be extremely difficult,” Warner said during the post-match presentation.
When Delhi Capitals needed 58 off 26 balls, Axar Patel was inserted at No. 7. The Indian all-rounder gave it his all, but the job was too much for him because other batters wasted so many balls.
“He (Axar) is in good touch. For us it was about we get off to a good start, and we know that he and I will have to handle their spinners with the ball spinning back in. Holding Axar can be difficult. We have been losing too many wickets through the middle,” Warner added.
Warner said they need to “build momentum” through the middle overs in order to win consistently, adding that the senior players must “take responsibility”.
(AI image)
“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 (knock) and then it takes care of itself from there,” Warner said.