Delhi Capitals (DC) lost by 47 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. DC captain Akshar Patel has admitted that missing opportunities to dismiss opposition opener Abhishek Sharma has cost his team dearly.
In the match played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 242 runs losing 2 wickets. Abhishek Sharma played an unbeaten inning of 135 runs in 68 balls with 20 boundaries. In response, Delhi Capitals could score only 195 runs after losing 9 wickets in the stipulated overs.
After the defeat, DC captain Akshar Patel said on missing opportunities to dismiss centurion Abhishek Sharma, “If he had caught the chance of run-out and the catch that we missed, we could have stopped him. But yes, if a batsman bats so well and the execution of his shots is excellent, then credit should be given for such a performance.”
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He said, “The fielding part is in your hands. Taking catches and run-outs, these are things you can control. At such times it is very important to support the bowlers. I think that is where we could have done better.”
Heinrich Klaasen supported Abhishek Sharma very well during SRH’s innings. Klaasen scored unbeaten 37 runs in 13 balls with 3 sixes and as many fours. He made an unbroken partnership of 66 runs in 32 balls with Abhishek for the third wicket.
DC captain Akshar praised Klaasen, saying, “The way Heinrich Klaasen batted on the other side, it was not the fault of the bowlers. When a batsman plays like this, the coach and the captain have to accept that even the captain cannot stop him. I was telling the same thing to the bowlers that if you implemented your plan properly and even then he played a good shot, then you cannot do much. You have to move forward.”
When asked about changes in the upcoming matches, Patel said, “No, it does not feel like that right now. If we look at the kind of cricket going on, we are batting and bowling well too. When the wicket is so good, then it should be forgotten as a bad day.”
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