New Delhi, Aug 12 (HS) : North Delhi Strikers delivered a disciplined all‑round performance to edge past West Delhi Lions by 11 runs in a gripping 19th‑match clash of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 2 under the lights at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

Opting to bat first, the Strikers posted a competitive 165/9 in their 20 overs. Sarthak Ranjan anchored the top order with a steady 33 off 42 balls, while Arjun Rapadiya provided the fireworks, smashing 40 off only 22 deliveries with three boundaries and three towering sixes. Quick cameos from Yajas Sharma (23 off 15) and Yash Bhatia (22 off 17) kept the momentum flowing. The Lions’ standout was Mayank Gusain, who produced a sensational single‑over burst — claiming 3 wickets for just 2 runs.

Shokeen’s Onslaught Not Enough

Chasing 166, West Delhi faltered early at 13/2 as captain Harshit Rana and Vikas Dixit struck with the new ball. Krish Yadav (23) attempted to rebuild, but the rising asking rate loomed large. The game swung back into balance when Hrithik Shokeen unleashed a spectacular counter‑attack — blasting 51 from 24 balls, peppered with five fours and three sixes — and adding 49 runs in just 19 balls.

However, Deepanshu Gulia’s timely triple strike (3/44) in the middle overs derailed the Lions’ charge. With 19 needed off the last over, Harshit Rana’s miserly spell sealed the Strikers’ win, restricting the Lions to 154/8.

Scorecard:

North Delhi Strikers — 165/9 (Sarthak Ranjan 33, Arjun Rapadiya 40; Mayank Gusain 3/2)

West Delhi Lions — 154/8 (Hrithik Shokeen 51, Mayank Gusain 24; Deepanshu Gulia 3/44)

Result: North Delhi Strikers won by 11 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar