Implosion up-front with the bat cost us dearly: Warner

After winning the toss at the Chinnaswamy and restricting hosts RCB to what looked like a below-par total (174/6), Delhi Capitals looked primed to register their first win of the season but an abject display with the bat saw the IPL 2020 finalists slip to their fifth straight defeat of the season.

DC were touted favorites to knock off the 175 set by Bangalore, but in no time the contest turned one-sided as the hosts ran through the Capitals’ batting, reducing them to 30/4 inside the powerplay.

Warner (19) hit a few confident boundaries but it was carnage at the other end as Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh and Yash Dhull combinedly scored a total of one run as DC fell apart within moments of the chase starting.

At the post-match presentation, a dejected Warner cited his side’s implosion up-front as the primary reason for Saturday’s defeat.

 "I said at the toss that we had to do both disciplines very well and unfortunately we did it again tonight where we lost too many early wickets,” Warner said.

“We didn't build partnerships chasing that total. It should have been an easy task but unfortunately we didn't come up trumps. We lose three wickets in the Powerplay and runouts are non-negotiable in this format and that sometimes can cost you the game.”

While acknowledging that his side weren’t good enough with the bat, Warner also credited the spirited and power-packed start from the RCB bowlers. In particular he was full of praise for Siraj, who set the tone with his first two overs, which read 2-0-3-1.

“Siraj had his tail up and bowled extremely well. You can't take credit away from the way they came out and started as well,” Warner said.

Looking back at the positives from the contest, Warner asserted that his side were exceptional with the ball, and on the field. He reiterated the fact that batting let the side down on the day.

“The positives were great with the bowling and fielding were exceptional. Our attitude and energy were amazing. But yet again it was just our batting. 

“We're going to have to try to work out how we're going to take on the Powerplay and not lose early wickets, especially in the first two or three overs. That's going to hurt you in a lot of games.”

Having picked up zero points from five matches, Delhi need a miracle to make it to the playoffs. But Warner hasn’t given up hope yet.

“We have to have a hard look at ourselves and come back strong with five days off. Things aren't working at the moment but teams have come back from 0-5 so hopefully we can be that second team."