North Delhi Strikers captain Sarthak Ranjan produced a batting masterclass in the Delhi Premier League, leading his team from the front with a whirlwind 95-run knock off just 50 deliveries against East Delhi Riders. The opening batter, who is the son of Bihar politician and MP Pappu Yadav, batted at an explosive strike rate of 190. Although he narrowly missed out on a deserving century by five runs, his fiery innings ensured his side coasted to a comfortable victory in just 16 overs.
East Delhi Riders Posted a Competitive 171 on the Board
The clash on Wednesday saw East Delhi Riders bat first after the toss and post a solid total of 171 for 6 in their quota of 20 overs. Sujal Singh was the star performer for East Delhi Riders, top-scoring with a well-crafted 82 off 50 balls. His controlled aggression helped the side build momentum and lay down a challenging 172-run target for North Delhi Strikers.
North Delhi Strikers Chase Down Target in 16 Overs
In response, North Delhi Strikers made light work of the target courtesy of a dominant opening burst from captain Sarthak Ranjan. Displaying clean hitting, Ranjan struck 8 towering sixes and 7 boundaries during his 50-ball 95. He found solid support from Yash Bhatia, who scored an unbeaten 53 to anchor the rest of the chase. Together, they propelled North Delhi Strikers to 172 for 4 in just 16 overs, sealing a comprehensive 6-wicket win.
Return to Action Following the Vijay Hazare Trophy
This match marked Sarthak Ranjan's first appearance of the current DPL season. Prior to this tournament, he represented Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January. Having made his T20 debut back in 2016, the right-handed batsman has been a familiar face in Delhi's domestic circuit, and his latest captain's knock highlights his growing maturity as a top-order batter.
Past IPL Stint with Kolkata Knight Riders
Ranjan previously featured in the Indian Premier League when Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for his base price of 30 lakh rupees. However, he remained on the bench throughout that IPL campaign without getting an opportunity in the playing XI. Now showcasing his power-hitting skills in the DPL, he continues to demonstrate his potential. Off the field, his father Pappu Yadav remains active in politics and is currently based in Delhi.
