NIGHT OF GIANTS-KILLERS

Ashutosh and Vipraj play twin blinders at the backend to help Delhi script memorable win

- GOMESH S @Chennai

AT one point Ashutosh Sharma was batting on 19 off 19 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Monday. The required run-rate for Delhi Capitals had gone up to 13.42 and Lucknow Super Giants had just removed Tristan Stubbs. 94 runs from 42 balls seemed like a mountain too high to climb.

But Ashutosh knew what he was doing. This is what he did for Punjab Kings last season and that is why LSG signed him for 3.8 crores and sent him in as an Impact Player. Even DC knew that. What they, and even most of fans watching, were not ready for was Vipraj Nigam. The Uttar Pradesh all-rounder who rose to prominence with his bowling in UP T20 League smashed 17 off the Ravi Bishnoi over. Another 15 off Shahbaz Ahmed in the next over meant Ashutosh had a breathing space. Soon, he got going. A six and four off Prince Yadav from Ashutosh was followed by a couple of boundaries from Nigam. 20 runs came off it, cumulatively adding to the 52 runs they had scored in the last three overs. Nigam got out for 39 off 15, but Ashutosh took over.