Pune: Delhi Daredevils pulled off a surprise as they thrashed Rising Pune Supergiant by 97 runs in Match 9 of Indian Premier League (IPL) played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday night.
Riding on Sanju Samson’s sensational 102-run knock, Zaheer Khan-led side first put 205 runs on board and then skittled Pune out for just 108 runs in 16. 1 overs.
Zaheer was relieved with the team’s emphatic win after losing their opening match to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 15 runs.
“We needed that. This team has tremendous potential, we just need to back ourselves. We have some amazing talent, you see Samson batting like that and Morris going at it in the end. It’s just about focusing on our processes,” the left-arm pacer said.
In Zaheer, Chris Morris and Pat Cummins, Delhi have one of the best pace attacks in the tournament. Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem also have a lot of variety up their sleeves.
What is more interesting to see, is the players DD have on bench at the moment.
“We have guys like Rabada and Shami and Jayant who has a Test hundred sitting out. It’s good to look at the bench and see that we have the firepower,” Zaheer added.
While Daredevils have a side full of youngsters, Zaheer put all his experience into count against RPS where he retured with impressive figures of three for 20.
“I think I have strong muscle memory. Those 92 Test matches have helped me find the right length. I am lucky to have the physios guiding me the right way and I am enjoying myself.”
Further speaking about his side, Zaheer said, “We are a young side and we need to show that on the field, the energy needs to be visible. I try to push them a bit, but I think it comes naturally to them.
“We did a lot of things right in the first game. A win changes the atmosphere. It creates self-belief, and from that point of view, this is important.”
Delhi will now take on Kings XI Punjab at Feroz Shah Kotla on April 15.
Source: Zee News