Sehwag, Negi power Delhi Daredevils to eighth win in IPL-5

The inclusion of Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson did not make any difference to Team Rajasthan fortunes as they slumped to their fourth straight loss as Delhi Daredevils romped to another crushing win at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Tuesday, says a report in The Times Of India.

“Virender Sehwag became the first man ever to hit five consecutive T20 fifties as he led his team to a six-wicket win with as many as 28 balls to spare. Chasing a modest target of 142, Delhi lost opener Mahela Jayawardene for a duck in the very first over. But Sehwag, the great entertainer, was in sublime form as he cut and drove Rajasthan bowlers with ease,” adds the report.

According to a report in The Tribune, Sehwag was at his brutal best as he slaughtered the Royals’ bowling all over the park in a 38-ball 73, that included 12 fours and a six. “Chasing a moderate 142 for a win, the Daredevils wasted precious little time and energy as they raced past the finish line in the 16th over when Naman Ojha hit Ashok Menaria for a lofted boundary over covers. Earlier, young left-arm spinner Pawan Negi bowled the best spell of his short career as Delhi Daredevils restricted Rajasthan Royals 141 for six,” says Tribune, adding that the 19-year-old Delhi lad had brilliant figures of four for 18 as he ran through the Royals top-order after the home team were off to blazing start.

Meanwhile The Hindu writes that Pawan Negi is up-and-coming, yet unheralded, awaiting the big break. “In Delhi, he is counted among the few gifted youngsters, but not beyond the local realm. Skipper Virender Sehwag had marked him as a “special” talent and the left-arm spinner responded by playing the leading role in Delhi Daredevils' convincing six-wicket over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Tuesday,” writes Hindu.

“Later Sehwag made a mockery of the challenge that Rajasthan had in mind. Some astounding shots from the Daredevils captain left the field and the audience in a daze. Bowlers do not feel disheartened when they are clouted by Sehwag. Nothing works against him. Even very good deliveries are pummelled by this amazing strokeplayer, who scored his fifth half century in a row. Helpless and pitiable was the state of Rajasthan's bowling. If not Sehwag, the bowlers had to contend with Kevin Pietersen, who played some savage shots,” writes The Hindu.

According to The Indian Express, Virender Sehwag played his trademark punishing knock after little known left-arm spinner Pawan Negi's brilliant effort with the ball as Delhi Daredevils juggernaut kept on rolling with a thumping six-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.

“Negi had a career-best haul of four for 18 as he ran through the Royals top and middle-order after Rahul Dravid (57) and Ajinkya Rahane (42) had added 71 runs in only 8.3 overs. From 71 for no loss, Royals slumped to 95 for five and their hopes of posting a sizeable total were dashed,” adds Indian Express.