Delhi Capitals beat the Gujarat Titans by 5 runs in match number 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Even though Mohammed Shami’s 4 for 14 helped GT first restrict DC to 130/8 in their 20 overs and Hardik Pandya’s half-century coupled with Rahul Tewatia’s timely blows in the 19th over kept GT in the game up until in the last over, in the end the last ranked team registered a win over the defending champions who are on top of the points table table.

This would do a world of confidence for DC who keep themselves alive in the competition by tasting their third win in nine matches. The victory will also taste sweeter for them especially because of the circumstances in which it came in. The David Warner-led team were restricted to 23/5 in 5 overs at one stage and from there to come out on top will help have get a sense of self-belief with their backs against the wall already.

The partnership between Axar Patel (27 off 30) and Aman Khan (51 off 44) worth 50 off 54 followed by Ripal Patel (23 off 13) and Khan’s partnership worth 53 off 27 helped DC get to 130/8 which not many felt would be enough. However, a superb bowling performance led by Khaleel (2 for 24) and Ishant (2 for 23) along with Kuldeep Yadav’s 1 for 15 helped them not only stay in the match but also eventually helping them win the game.

Despite DC winning the match, it was Mohammed Shami who was adjudged the Player of the Match for his oustanding spell. He was spot with the new ball and GT captain Hardik Pandya had no hesitation in giving him all his four overs on the trot. Hardik scored a half-century remaining unbeatean on 59 off 53 in the end and took the responsibility of not being able to finish the match for his side.

However, GT remain at the top of the points table with 12 points from 9 matches.