Deccan Chargers (DC) played a perfect party pooper to Pune Warriors India (PWI) and put a huge dent to their hopes of qualifying to the playoffs. DC who hosted PWI in the 42nd matchup of the Indian Premier League Season V. Deccan who went winless for seven matches in a row now have two consecutive wins against the Warrior.
It looked like Pune Warriors would have an easy road to the play-offs but now with two consecutive losses in see them on doldrums. Batting first, Deccan was off to a slow start but shifted momentum soon and posted an imposing target of 187. PWI were looking on course but they left it for late and even though there was some last moment hitting, they could not help but succumb to a 13 runs defeat at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Here are some of the performances of the match that mattered and determined the outcome of the match:
Deccan Chargers:
Hits:
Kumar Sangakkara: He was going through a rough phase throughout the tournament but he hit the form yesterday and his partnership of 157 with Cameron White for third wicket was one of the main highlights of the match. Sangakkara started off slowly but seizing opportunity later in the innings launched an onslaught. He scored 82 of 52 deliveries laced with 10 boundaries and two fours.
Cameron White: He was the one responsible for helping Deccan win their first match and was again in thick of action yesterday. Along with Sangakkara, he piled up 157 for the third wicket. He played a fiddle to Sangakkara and scored 74 of 45 balls which included four fours and as many sixes.
Flops:
There were sloppy performances here and there but did not have an effect on the outcome of the match.
Pune Warriors India:
Michael Clarke: He came straight from a test series and did not take much time to get into the T20 groove. He scored 41 off 31 laced with seven fours. He was looking good before getting run-out in the 12th over.
Steven Smith: He is one of the most consistent players for the Pune Warriors. He has played match winning knocks and he came very close yesterday but did not succeed in his endeavor. He scored 47 off 27 balls including three fours and two sixes.
Bowlers: Barring couple of bowlers none of them could pose any threat to Deccan. Deccan had a slow start to their innings and Pune could have put on a leash but rather they let them free their arms. DC scored at a rapid pace and smashed 95 runs in the last year.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
