Tim David and Andre Russell (AP Photo)
New Delhi: Australian Tim David achieved a major milestone in the Indian Premier League, becoming the second fastest player to reach 1,000 runs during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash with Delhi Capitals at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. He got there with just 560 saves, second only to Andre Russell. David scored 26 off 17 fast balls in the match and has now amassed over 1000 runs at an impressive strike rate of 177.83. He has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 173 runs in six innings at an average of 86.50 and a strike rate above 200.
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Despite David’s achievement, RCB ended up on the losing side. Batting first, they scored 175/8 after a promising start.
Phil Salt led the attack with 63 runs, while Virat Kohli contributed 19 runs in a 52-run opening stand. However, RCB struggled to maintain momentum in the middle and the death overs. After reaching 99/2 in 10 overs, they managed just 76 runs in the last 10 overs. Delhi’s bowlers, especially Axar Patel (2/18) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/32), applied the brakes effectively, while Lungi Ngidi also scored two wickets.Chasing 176 on a somewhat slow surface, Delhi Capitals had a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 18 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brilliant early on, picking up three wickets and taking advantage of the swing. However, KL Rahul stabilized the innings with 57 off 34 balls, combining elegance and control. He shared a crucial 69-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who scored an unbeaten 60.After Rahul’s dismissal, Stubbs continued to anchor the run, adding another important stand with Axar Patel, who contributed 24 before retiring hurt.
With 45 balls needed from the last 25 balls, the match was still in the balance. That’s when David Miller stepped up, smashing a brace in the final over to seal a six-wicket win with one ball.The win ended Delhi’s two-match losing streak and highlighted their resilience, while leaving RCB to reflect on missed opportunities despite Tim David’s feat.