DC vs GT Match Highlights IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans record second big win as Sai Sudharshan, bowlers shine

New Delhi, April 4: Delhi Capitals returned to their home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, intending to make it their fortress but another comprehensive performance by Gujarat Titans spoiled their party in match number 6 of IPL 2023 here on Tuesday (April 4).

Talented young batter Sai Sudharshan slammed a brilliant half-century under pressure while Vijay Shankar - the impact substitute - made an impact with the bat as Gujarat Titans won the match by six wickets and climbed to the top of the points table.

Second straight win for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023

Having restricted David Warner and his band to a below-par 162/8 after putting them to bat first, the Hardik Pandya-led side reached home in 18.1 overs for the loss of four wickets and gave hosts Delhi Capitals their second straight defeat of the season.

With Rishabh Pant - the injured DC captain - in attendance from the balcony at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla, the hosts hoped for a win in front of a passionate home crowd. But batting once again let the hosts down as their key batters failed to make an impact and put enough runs on the board on a spicy Delhi surface.

Prithvi Shaw (7), Mitchell Marsh (4), and Rilee Rossouw (0) were dismissed cheaply. While Sarfaraz Khan (30 off 34), and David Warner (37 off 32) failed to convert the start they got by getting dismissed at the crucial stage of the match.

Axar Patel and Abhishek Porel only bright spots for DC

Cameos from Axar Patel (36 off 22) and debutant Abhishek Porel (20 off 11) helped the hosts post a fighting total on a surface that was offering too much to the bowlers and batting wasn't easy.

Speed king from South Africa, Anrich Nortje gave Gujarat Titans big jolts in the powerplay as he sent openers Shubman Gill (14) and Wriddhiman Saha (14) were dismissed in quick succession in the powerplay.

Anrich Nortje stars in first IPL 2023 game

The Protea cricketer struck on the first delivery of his spell to clean bowl Saha and announced his arrival. He then bowled a thunderbolt of 149 kmph to breach in-form Gill's defences. Soon after, captain Hardik (5) went to the dugout after getting dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed.

Sai Sudharshan shines bright for the Titans

However, young Sudharshan (62* off 48) and Shankar weathered the storm first and forged a solid partnership of 53 runs for the fourth wicket and revived Titans in the run chase. 21-year-old Sudarshan showed grit and determination to deny the Delhi bowlers - who were breathing fire - his wicket.

The talented left-handed batter showcased his class and proved he could be a star in the making for Gujarat Titans and even for India. His knock was laced with four classical boundaries and a couple of towering sixes.

Just when things were looking for GT, Shankar was trapped in front by Mitchell Marsh for 23-ball 29. But Miller - who was playing his first game of the season - and Sudarshan - who slammed his first fifty of the season - finished it for the Titans.

Strong performance from Gujarat Titans bowlers

Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami (3/41), Rashid Khan (3/31) and Alzarri Joseph (2/29) were in menacing form and kept giving jolts to Delhi Capitals and prevented the hosts from posting an intimidating total.

The trio once again proved that the Gujarat Titans' bowling line-up is going to be a force to reckon with in the days to come. GT bowlers have the quality to excel on every pitch.