Clinical Delhi Daredevils rout Chennai Super Kings

Biswajit Jha

Delhi: A superb allround performance by Delhi Daredevils helped them beat the defending Champions Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets in a league match of the 5th edition of Indian Premier League on Tuesday. In pics: IPL 5» Chasing a below-par 111 for victory, Delhi went about achieving the target clinically, finishing the match off in the 14th over. Kevin Pietersen, fresh from his exploits in Sri Lanka, albeit in Tests, slammed boundaries and over boundaries in every corner of the park after his skipper Virender Sehwag setting the tone with a quick-fire entertaining 21-ball 33. Overall, the Delhi crowd was thoroughly entertained by both KP and Viru. First, it was Sehwag who made the target look so easy with his customary style of batting. In no time Delhi reached 50 despite losing wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha early on for 14. Sehwag slammed 4 fours and a six during his stay at the crease. But it was Pietersen who stole the show in the end. KP’s unbeaten 43 came off just 26 balls. He decorated his knock with 3 fours and 2 huge sixes. He was ably supported by Mahela Jayawardene, who ensured that Delhi did not lose any wicket after Sehwag’s departure. Earlier, put into bat by Sehwag, Chennai Super Kings exhibited horrible batting display and were restricted to 110/8 in allotted 20 overs. No Chennai batsman could put up good score, giving away their wickets at regular intervals. Their innings never got going in front of a very good Delhi attack. Pacers took wickets while spinner remained economical. Dwayne Bravo was the highest scorer with 22 runs. Van der Merwe, S Nadeem strangled the oppositions with tight line and length in the middle overs. The pacers, especially Morne Morkel, bowled brilliantly upfront, picking up early wickets. Morkel was the best of the lot. He claimed 2 wickets for 19 runs. Chennai’s horrible running between the wickets did not help either. Four of their batsmen ran themselves out which ultimately cost them the match.