Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian cricketer and now commentator, has backed Delhi Capitals opener Pathum Nissanka to build on his match-defining 62-run knock against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on 2 May. Nissanka, who had been benched after struggling in the tournament's opening matches, returned to deliver the innings that anchored DC's successful chase of a daunting 226-run target.

The comeback knock

Nissanka had been out of favour due to early-tournament form issues but seized the opportunity to prove his worth. Kaif noted that the opener, who is expected to anchor international-standard batting lineups, had been taking starts without converting them into substantial scores. "When you have an international opener in your side, you expect him to play big innings," Kaif told Jio Hotstar. "This match against Rajasthan was the perfect time for Nissanka to deliver."

Dominating the new-ball pair

What made Nissanka's innings particularly impressive was the manner in which DC's opening pair neutralised Rajasthan's potent new-ball attack of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger. These two have been among the most difficult bowlers to face in the tournament, routinely putting batters under pressure in the powerplay. Kaif highlighted that Nissanka and his opening partner KL Rahul refused to be intimidated, instead building a strong powerplay foundation that set up the chase. "They put up a strong total in the power play, which set the tone for the chase. That opening partnership was the key reason why Delhi successfully chased down the target," Kaif explained.

Rana's acceleration in the middle overs

Kaif also singled out Nitish Rana for his aggressive 33-run cameo off just 17 balls, which proved crucial during the middle phase. Rana arrived at the crease when Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi had yet to bowl their full quota, and he made the most of the window by attacking from the first delivery. "He walked in and took on Ravindra Jadeja, hitting sixes with ease. He attacked from the very first ball and made full use of his good form," Kaif said. Rana has built a reputation as a proven player against spin bowling, with a particularly strong record of hitting over mid-wicket.

Timing and execution

Kaif emphasised that DC's management deserved credit for the strategic placement of Rana in the batting order. Sending the aggressive left-hander to the crease while both Jadeja and Bishnoi still had overs remaining was a calculated gamble that paid off. "His arrival was perfectly timed, with Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi yet to bowl their overs. Rana is a proven player of spin and loves hitting over mid-wicket," Kaif noted. The quickfire knock shifted momentum decisively in DC's favour during a phase where spinners are traditionally expected to exert control.

Historic chase completed

Delhi Capitals ultimately completed their record chase in just 19.1 overs, with Rahul and Nissanka providing the foundation through their opening partnership, while Rana and Stubbs accelerated in the latter stages. The victory marked DC's highest successful chase in the franchise's history, underscoring the quality of execution across all phases of the innings.