Indian T20 League: Key stats from Delhi's 44-run win over Chennai

A brilliant batting display from Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Rishab Pant followed by some stupendous bowling from Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel propelled the Delhi to a mammoth 44-run victory over the Chennai in Match 7 of the 2020 Indian T20 League season.

Delhi are the first team to record two wins in two matches and are currently the only undefeated team alongside Rajasthan, who will take on Punjab on Sunday.

Prithvi Shaw scored only his third half-century in 15 Indian T20 League matches, finishing with 64 off 43 balls. Here are some of the key stats from Delhi's stellar performance:

A measured opening stand

In Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan, Delhi boast of a powerful and hard-hitting opening duo. But the two were rather reserved in their approach during the Powerplay, taking their time to settle and carefully assessing the pitch and the conditions, ensuring that this would be the first time Delhi score at least six runs an over and not lose a wicket in the first six overs in Abu Dhabi.

Here is their Powerplay record in the country:

The duo scored 58 runs off the next 28 balls before Dhawan was dismissed, ending a well-crafted 94-run partnership between the duo. Their stellar batting laid the foundation of a strong innings that saw Delhi finish with 175/3 in their batting effort.

Top-order troubles for Chennai

On the flip side, Chennai had their worst Powerplay in the eight matches that they played in the UAE.

They scored just 34 runs while losing both openers in the first six overs, a less-than-ideal start chasing 176 against one of the, if not the best bowling unit in the Indian T20 League this season.

Here’s how Chennai have faired in the Powerplay in UAE:

Their opening pair of Murali Vijay and Shane Watson is averaging just 28 thus far at a strike rate of 116.67. With a seven-day gap till their next game, Chennai have a window to fix their top order woes, but if those continue, their record of qualifying for the playoffs every year will come under serious threat.

Delhi's rare delight at Chennai's expense

In 21 encounters prior to this, Delhi had beaten Chennai just six times - one of the most lopsided head-to-head records between two sides in the Indian T20 League. Delhi failed to beat Chennai in each of their three matches last season with the three-time champions also ending Delhi's season with a win over them in Qualifier 2 of the playoffs.

Not only was this victory sweet, but it was also Delhi's biggest margin of victory over Chennai. Here are the top three margins of victories for Delhi over Chennai:

Delhi's bowling attack was touted to be among the best and they have lived up to their billing so far.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com /Indian T20 League