Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
A composed half-century from Sheldon Jackson helped table-toppers Delhi Warriors successfully chase 173 against Gurugram Thunders at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna, extending their unbeaten run and ending Gurugram’s semi-final hopes.
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Goa, 1 February 2026: A packed Sunday evening at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna saw Gurugram Thunders take on table-toppers Delhi Warriors in a must-win encounter for their tournament survival. Despite a competitive total and a disciplined bowling effort, Gurugram fell short as Delhi Warriors completed a four-wicket win to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their position at the top of the points table.
Batting first, Gurugram Thunders posted 172 for 6, anchored by a solid opening partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Cheteshwar Pujara. The pair added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Blackwood scoring 51 off 30 balls and Pujara contributing a steady 58 from 43 deliveries. After the dismissal of both openers, wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing the scoring rate. However, Gurugram managed to recover in the latter stages to post a competitive total.
Delhi Warriors’ chase got off to a cautious start as Gurugram’s bowlers kept things tight. Stuart Broad set the tone during the powerplay, claiming two wickets in his three overs as Delhi were restricted to just 33 runs in the first six overs. The pressure told as wickets continued to fall, leaving Delhi in a tricky position midway through the innings.
Sheldon Jackson then stepped up with a calm and controlled knock, anchoring the chase under pressure. Jackson scored an unbeaten 59 off 38 balls, finding support from Pawan Negi earlier and Seekkuge Prasanna towards the end. Prasanna’s quick 36 off 14 balls ensured Delhi Warriors crossed the line in 18.5 overs with four wickets in hand.
The defeat marked Gurugram Thunders’ fourth loss in five matches, officially ending their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Earlier in the day, Pune Panthers secured a narrow 12-run victory over Maharashtra Tycoons in a closely contested Maharashtra derby. The win lifted Pune Panthers to six points, confirming their place in the semi-finals.
