New Delhi, August 12: North Delhi Strikers produced a strong all-round performance to beat West Delhi Lions by eight wickets in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 on Tuesday. Reflecting on the win, Mayank Dagar, a key all-rounder for the North Delhi Strikers, said, "It was a very dominant win for us. We restricted them with the ball and then finished the chase comfortably. "
"Our combination is very good. Everyone knows their role, and that is the most important thing in a team. The coordination between all of us has been going really well. If you look at our batting, our middle order and lower middle order haven't even had a chance to bat yet. That is a very good sign because our top order is taking responsibility and performing," Dagar added.
Dagar also praised captain Sarthak Ranjan, who continued his fine run with the bat. "Touch wood, the way our captain is playing has been fantastic. We have played a lot of cricket together, from Under-16 and Under-19 level, so I have seen him grow as a player and as a person. He truly deserves this opportunity. " Ranjan has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Delhi Premier League 2026. In the 4 innings that he has played, the North Delhi Strikers' skipper has piled up 281 runs at a whopping average of 70.
Dagar, who finished with impressive figures of 2/14 in four overs, also revealed the inspiration behind his special wicket celebration.
"It was actually inspired by Paul Pogba. When I first started watching football, I saw him doing that celebration, and I really liked it. So, I decided to do the same today. "
Batting first, West Delhi Lions were restricted to 146/7 in their 20 overs after a disciplined bowling effort from the Strikers. The Lions made a steady start, adding 36 runs for the opening wicket, but the dismissal of Ankit Kumar for 10 off 10 balls triggered a collapse.
The Lions soon slipped to 59/5 as the Strikers continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals. Mayank Gusain and Sombir Sheokand then put together a 68-run partnership for the sixth wicket to help their team recover.
Sheokand scored 34 off 24 balls before being dismissed, while Gusain remained unbeaten on 42 off 28 balls to take the Lions to 146/7.
Dagar was the pick of the Strikers' bowlers, returning excellent figures of 2/14 from his four overs. Chasing 147, North Delhi Strikers got off to a flying start. Captain Sarthak Ranjan and Vaibhav Kandpal added 106 runs for the opening wicket, putting the chase firmly in control.
Ranjan scored a confident 57 off 30 balls before his dismissal, while Kandpal continued his attacking approach. He remained unbeaten on 64 off 43 balls and ensured the Strikers completed the chase without any further trouble.
North Delhi Strikers reached the target with eight wickets in hand, completing a convincing victory and continuing their strong run in the tournament.
