Delhi Daredevils became the first team to qualify for the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League. Not many people gave Kings XI Punjab much chance against a strong Delhi team and the result explained why.

Punjab decided to bat first and had a steady start but soon their plans were destroyed by some quick bowling from Delhi fast men. Delhi bowlers bowled superbly and were helped immensely by some super fielding. Punjab in the end could only manage 136 runs and it looked as Delhi will run away with the match.

Delhi started their innings and was immediately shocked by some superb fast bowling. They lost four of their top order batsmen at a score of 37. Delhi batsmen then held their nerves and chased down the target relatively easily in the end.

Let’s have a look at some of the hits and flops from both innings.

Kings XI Punjab:

Hits:

David Hussey: Hussey has been batting superbly in the tournament and he once again showed why he is considered to be one of the best T20 batsmen. Wickets kept falling around him but he batted steadily to take Punjab to a decent total. His innings of 40 included five boundaries and one six.

Parvinder Awana: He has been one of the most successful bowlers in the domestic circuit and he showed why he is so successful. He took three early wickets and bowled at extreme pace. It was a treat to watch this young paceman bowl against some of the top batsmen of the world.

Flops:

Shaun Marsh: He is the most successful IPL batsman for Punjab and big things were expected from him. Marsh has not played with the authority that he shown in the previous seasons and he was once again found wanted. He could only manage 13 runs before gtting out.

Delhi Daredevils:

Hits:

Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav: Both these bowlers are expected to play a big role for India in the coming tours and the way they bowled against KXIP showed that India is investing in right people. Both the bowlers bowled with tremendous pace and control and it was a treat to watch them bowl in partnership. Aaron picket two wickets and Yadav picked three.

Partnership between Jayawardene and Ojha: Delhi was reeling at a score of 37 for four when these two men got together. Both these batsmen displayed a lot of maturity and batted sensibly. Together they put a partnership of 58 runs and took Delhi close to the target.

Flops:

Top order batting: Both Sehwag and Warner have played match winning innings in the past but from the past two matches they have been throwing their wicket away. They batted carelessly and brought Punjab back into the match. Ross Taylor has had a horrendous time in this season continued his struggle as he got out without scoring. It is a mystery why Delhi keeps playing the struggling Kiwi captain. 




By Gaurav Jha

Indian Sports News