Thursday, April 16, 2015

Team effort helps DD end their 11 match losing streak

DD notched up their first win of the IPL season, thus avoiding the IPL record for most consecutive losses, with a well fought against Kings XI Punjab. The spinners and superb knocks by rookie Mayank Agarwal and a resurgent Yuvraj Singh helped Delhi chase down the 165 target set up by Punjab. For Kings XI, Pune is turning out to be a not so lucky home ground as they lose their second game out of two there.

                                     George Bailey elected to bat first after winning the toss and it was Murali Vijay who looked to set the pace early on ahead of the much fancied Virender Sehwag. In fact it was a non-typical innings from the former Indian opener and was eventual top scorer with 47 runs, after surviving two run out chances. Vijay tried one shot too many and perished for 19.Saha came in and propelled the run rate with a 28 ball 39. Just when it seemed Kings XI would fly away, Amit Mishra made the decisive breakthrough dismissing Saha. JP Duminy inflicted double blows with the wicket of Sehwag and Miller. Imran Thahir who was taken to the cleaners by first Sehwag and then Maxwell, had the final laugh though dismissing the Aussie and picking up 2 wickets later on to curtail the Punjab innings. 20 runs short no doubt, thanks to the spin trio.

                                     DD chase was quite reminiscent of the RR chase the previous night against MI. After losing two wickets early on, they showed sense in not trying to hit too many as Mayank Agarwal and Yuvraj Singh consolidated and upped the ante with ease. Agarwal who played well in the previous game as well, was impressive, with a six of Mitchell Johnson standing out. But the beauty of Yuvi's innings overshadowed the rookie's innings as he caressed his way with trademark elegance. The 106 run partnership all but sealed the match for DD and although they made things difficult for themselves losing three wickets in a hurry, Angelo Mathews kept his cool to hit the winning runs with a ball to spare. 

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