KL Rahul's Technique Conquers Hazlewood as Delhi Capitals Beat RCB in Thriller

Aaron Finch highlighted KL Rahul's strong technique as the key to countering Josh Hazlewood's challenge during Delhi Capitals' chase. Rahul's aggressive 57 off 30 balls, including a pivotal 14-run over against Hazlewood, rescued DC from a precarious 18/3. He built a crucial 76-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs to set up the dramatic finish. David Miller then sealed the victory in the final over with two sixes and a boundary, moving DC to fourth in the points table.

Key Points: KL Rahul's Technique vs Hazlewood Key in DC Win Over RCB | IPL 2026

  • Rahul's 57(30) counter-attack
  • Crucial 76-run stand with Stubbs
  • Finch praises technique vs Hazlewood
  • Miller's final over finish seals win
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Rahul's technique helped him counter Hazlewood,' says Finch after DC beat RCB

Aaron Finch praises KL Rahul's technique against Josh Hazlewood. Rahul's 57(30) and Miller's finish seal dramatic DC win over RCB in IPL 2026.

"He's probably the one player whose game really suits a bowler like Hazlewood. - Aaron Finch"

New Delhi, April 19

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch feels that Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul's technique helped him conquer Josh Hazlewood's challenge in the 26th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Chasing 176, Delhi Capitals were under pressure early after slipping to 18/3 in the powerplay. Rahul then took charge of the innings, counter-attacking the RCB bowlers and shifting momentum with his positive approach. Finch pointed out that Rahul's strong technique allowed him to handle Hazlewood's disciplined line and length effectively.

"He came after him early, first ball, he pumped him over cover for six. He had a decent match-up against Hazlewood. He's probably the one player whose game really suits a bowler like Hazlewood, where he's in and around that off stump," Finch said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show.

"Another guy with good Test batting technique. So yeah, that was a crucial innings. He just found the boundary every time he needed one," he added.

Rahul's knock of 57 off 30 balls included several timely boundaries, including a standout over against Hazlewood where he scored 14 runs, helping DC recover from a difficult position. His ability to rotate strike and pick gaps ensured the required rate never got out of hand.

He also stitched a crucial 76-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, which brought DC back into the contest after the early setbacks. While Rahul eventually fell in the middle overs, his innings laid the foundation for the chase.

The match eventually went down to the final over, where David Miller used his experience to finish things off with two sixes and a boundary, sealing a dramatic win for Delhi Capitals.

With this win, DC are now in fourth place in the points table with six points from five games. After breaking the two-game losing streak, DC will look to continue the momentum when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 21.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Finch is spot on about the technique. Rahul's Test match temperament is his superpower in T20s. It allows him to stay calm when others panic. That partnership with Stubbs was the game-changer.
R
Rohit P
Great win for DC, but let's be honest, the top order collapse (18/3!) is a big worry. Rahul bailed them out this time, but they can't rely on one player every match. The middle order needs to step up.
P
Priya S
As a die-hard RCB fan, this hurts 😭. Hazlewood is usually so reliable. But credit where it's due, Rahul played a champion's innings. Miller's finish was ice-cool too. The IPL never disappoints!
V
Vikram M
This is the perfect example of why solid technique matters, even in the slam-bang format. It's not just about power-hitting. Rahul's ability to find gaps and rotate strike under pressure is world-class. More youngsters should watch and learn.
M
Michael C
Fantastic analysis from Finch. The matchup point is key. Some batters just have a bowler's number. Rahul seems to read Hazlewood's length so well. Thrilling match that went to the wire!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50