Despite having some of the biggest names of the game, Delhi Daredevils failed to tame the Highveld Lions and lost to the home team by 22 runs in the first semi-final of the Champions League Twenty20 at Durban on Thursday. Lions batting first could manage only 139-5, which looked a gettable target, considering Daredevils’ batting line-up. But the Lions bowled well to restrict their fancied opponents to 117-9.

Here are some of the hits and flops of the match:

Highveld Lions:

Hits:

Gulam Bodi: He has been in very great form throughout the tournament. Even on Thursday he rose to the occasion and denied to get intimidated by Daredevils’ bowling attack. He was not that aggressive in his approach and rather played the role of an anchor. He scored 50 off 49 balls including four boundaries and a six. In the process he also became the leading run-scorer of the tournament.

Neil McKenzie: The senior pro like earlier in the tournament finished off the innings on a real high. He came in at a time when Lions were looking to up the ante. McKenzie just delivered as expected and scored a breezy unbeaten knock of 46 from 28 deliveries which included four boundaries and a six.

Chris Morris: Chris Morris was exceptional with the ball. He bowled to a strict line and length and never allowed the Daredevils to get off the block. He dismissed both Kevin Peitersen and David Warner in his quota of four overs and gave away only seven runs.

 
Delhi Daredevils:

Hits:

Kevin Peitersen: The flamboyant middle-order batsman led Daredevils’ charge against the Highveld’s bowling attack. Coming out to bat at number three position, he played the role of an anchor. Even though wickets kept tumbling at the other end, he managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. He was out while trying to increase the tempo of the match. He scored 50 off 44 deliveries including three fours and a six.

Flops:

Virender Sehwag: The biggest reason for Delhi’s loss is the way Virender Sehwag played at the top of the innings. His careless attitude and approach saw him getting out in the first ball that he faced. Such huge wicket in the first over of the match tilted the momentum to Lions’ side and Daredevils could never come out of the blow.

Ross Taylor: The captain needed to take the charge but he looked defensive in his tactics. He sent Irfan pathan ahead of himself. It is true that it is easier for a left-hander to hit against left-arm spinners but isn’t Taylor one of the biggest hitters in the world against spinners. Coming to bat a tentative push saw him lose his wicket.  

Naman Ojha: Naman Ojha has been performing woefully in the tournament and today was the day when he had to rise to the occasion. Being the last recognised batsman, it was required for him to stay and help Pietersen but then his impatient approach got him out for just seven.

Unmukt Chand: His 9 off 20 balls in a T20 match speaks for itself.

By Indian Sports News Network