DPL: Doseja's brilliant 84, Gusain's all-round show guide West Delhi Lions to a 19-run victory over New Delhi Tigers
New Delhi, August 2
Stand-in Captain Ayush Doseja produced a match-winning half-century before the bowling unit held its nerve as defending champions West Delhi Lions defeated New Delhi Tigers by 19 runs in Match 3 of the Delhi Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.
After the New Delhi Tigers opted to bowl first, they found immediate success. Pradyuman Sanan and Hrithik Shokeen dismissed the West Delhi openers early, putting the defending champions on the back foot, according to a press release.
However, Ayush Doseja led a strong recovery to turn the innings around. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 84 off 52 balls, finding the boundary with 10 fours and two sixes.
Mayank Gusain provided the crucial finishing touches to the innings, smashing an unbeaten 46 off 35 deliveries, including four sixes, to power West Delhi Lions to a competitive 170 for 5.
Chasing 171, New Delhi Tigers endured a top-order collapse and were restricted to 28 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. Aryan Sharma and Vaibhav Rawal then combined for a 41-run stand to stabilise the run chase.
Just as New Delhi looked to rebuild, Manan Bhardwaj delivered a massive double blow, taking two wickets in two balls to remove Sharma for 31 and Hrithik Shokeen for a golden duck.
Despite the mounting pressure and with all hopes seemingly gone, Manan Sehrawat stepped up and kept the Tigers in the hunt with a quickfire 51 off just 26 balls.
However, the defending champions maintained their composure in the death overs to secure the win and start their campaign on a positive note. Kulwant Khejroliya and Manan Bhardwaj led the bowling attack, finishing with three wickets each, while Shubham Dubey and Mayank Gusain chipped in with two each.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Manan Sehrawat's 51 off 26 almost pulled it off for the Tigers! Reminded me of some classic MS Dhoni finishes. Sadly, the top order just collapsed too early. 28/4 in powerplay is just too much to recover from in T20.
Delhi Premier League is getting better every year! The future of Indian cricket is in safe hands with youngsters like Gusain and Doseja performing under pressure. That 170 was a winning total on this pitch, and the bowlers executed perfectly. 💪
Brilliant all-round effort from Gusain - 46* with the bat and 2 wickets with the ball! That's what you call a match-winning display. And Bhardwaj's double strike in the middle overs changed the game completely. Great team effort by the Lions!
Honestly, the Tigers' decision to bowl first backfired. The pitch had enough for the batsmen, and they should have batted first to set a target. Also, their fielding could have been tighter. Just my observation, but credit to Lions for holding their nerve in the death overs.
That stadium atmosphere must have been electric! Arun Jaitley Stadium always brings out the best in our domestic talents. Seeing these youngsters perform so well in front of home crowds is exactly what Indian cricket needs. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🏏
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