First six gives me confidence, says Delhi Capitals' captain Rishabh Pant after match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans

Delhi Capitals ' (DC) captain Rishabh Pant continues to enjoy his return to the field as he scored a match-winning unbeaten 88 off 43 balls in his team's narrow four-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night.

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DC found themselves struggling at 44 for 3 before Pant came in to join Axar Patel, who was promoted to number three.

Axar (66 off 43 balls) made a significant impact with his aggressive innings, smashing five fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 153.49. Pant, who had a slightly shaky start in his previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcased his brilliance by hitting eight sixes and five fours at an astonishing strike rate of 204.6.

The duo combined forces to add 113 runs in just 68 deliveries, propelling Delhi to a formidable total of 224 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Pant expressed his satisfaction at gradually regaining his top form, emphasizing the importance of each match in his comeback journey.

"Every day that I'm in the middle, I feel better. Every hour on the field matters, I love being on the field. I try to give it my 100% and it takes some time sometimes. I think the first six in the match gives me confidence in a game. The more time I spend in the centre, the better I feel," Pant said after the match.

Pant reached his half-century in just 34 deliveries by lofting a full-toss from Mohit over long-on for a six, eliciting a thunderous applause from the crowd. He continued his delightful display in the 16th over against Mohit, expertly whipping off his pads and thump a slower ball over long-off for two consecutive sixes, subsequently bringing up the century partnership for the fourth wicket.

In the final over, Pant showcased his batting prowess by clearing long-on for another six and managing to slice a four despite losing his balance against Mohit. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, hitting sixes off the last three balls of the innings to hit an impressive 31 runs off the over.

Pant had a commendable day behind the stumps as well, making astute decisions to steer the squad in their defense of the formidable total. Despite Shubman Gill's early dismissal, Sai Sudharsan and David Miller played aggressive innings, each notching up fiery fifties, while Wriddhiman Saha, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore made significant contributions to keep the chase alive until the very last ball.

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Rasikh Salam proved to be instrumental with the ball, claiming two vital wickets in his opening three overs. Pant showed faith in the young talent, entrusting Rasikh with the responsibility of bowling the crucial 19th over. Although Sai Kishore managed to strike two sixes off Rasikh's bowling, the young medium-pacer remained composed and eventually dismissed Sai, leaving Mukesh Kumar with 19 runs to defend in the final over.

"(Anrich) Nortje was having a tough time. T20 is a funny game, after 14-15 overs the ball was coming on nicely. So we wanted to trust Rasikh, always trust someone who is bowling well in a game. I think it is about instincts as a captain, it will come off sometimes. Happy it worked today," said Pant.