NEW DELHI: In cricket, the outcome of a match is not solely determined by the performance of batters and bowlers. Fielders also play a crucial role in influencing the result of the game.
The impact of fielding on a cricket match cannot be understated. A well-executed catch, a precise throw to the wicket, or a swift run-out can turn the tide of the game in favour of the fielding team.
Delhi Capitals‘ thrilling four-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024 came on the back of stunning fielding effort by Tristan Stubbs in the penultimate over of the match.
Stubbs’ acrobatic display turned what could have been a six into just a single, ultimately proving to be the decisive moment in the match’s outcome.
When GT batter Rashid Khan lofted a delivery from Delhi bowler Rasikh Salam down the ground towards long-off, Stubbs sprang into action. Despite realizing he was falling back, Stubbs leaped to his right, intercepted the ball, and swiftly threw it back.
The third umpire reviewed the replays and confirmed that Stubbs’ right leg was well clear of the rope.
Talking about the match, Rishabh Pant smashed an unbeaten 88 as Delhi posted 224-4 courtesy of a 113-run stand between Pant and fellow left-hander Axar Patel, who hit 66, after they slipped to 44-3 inside six overs at their home Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The hosts kept Gujarat down to 220-8 to win by four runs after David Miller‘s 23-ball 55 and an unbeaten 21 off 11 deliveries by Rashid Khan.
Mukesh Kumar kept his nerve in the final over for Delhi’s fourth win in nine matches as they kept their playoff hopes alive in the T20 tournament.