Delhi DareDevils prove they are the best

IT SEEMED as if we were watching the final match of IPL 2009. Not only because the two deserving teams were playing against each other, but also because of the way Gilchrist had played his innings. Out of the four World Cups Australia has won, he has played a crucial role in giving a solid opening partnership.

He did the same against the Delhi DareDevils but then again Andrew Symonds was the only Australian he had for support. But one cannot take away the credit from Delhi Dare Devils for snatching victory from Deccan Chargers.

Batting first, Delhi DareDevils posted a formidable total of 173 for the loss of six wickets. Some excellent batting down the order by Dinesh Kartik helped them reach this total. Kartik smashed Chaminda Vaas for 23 runs off the last over. Vaas conceded 52 runs which is ok for a spell of 10 overs but then this is what T20 is all about. As Delhi Dare Devils came to bat in, David Warner got out early after which T Dilshan 37 runs (18balls) and AB de Villers 44(36 balls) made some useful contribution. But once they got out and it seemed that the Deccan Chargers could restrict Delhi Dare Devils to 155-160, Dinesh Kartik hit Vaas for 23 runs in the last over. This was the over that made all the difference!

Now it was the Deccan Chargers’ turn to show some action. Gilchrist who stood behind the stumps helplessly watching his best bowlers get thrashed all over, came to bat with a determination. He welcomed Nehra in the very first over with four beautifully timed boundaries that gave an idea of his brutal intentions. Until he was there one could easily see worried faces in the Delhi camp. Before being bowled by P.Sangwan, Gilly had played a blitzkrieg knock of 64(33 balls ) and had done his role up to perfection. Symonds continued his brilliant form and thrashed 41 runs off just 22 balls. Ravi Teja slowed down the momentum for Deccan Chargers after which Symonds had to take risks which made him lose his wicket. The rest of the players fell like a pack of cards. Towards the end, Deccan Chargers fell short by 12 runs and lost a brilliant opportunity to reach the top of the table. The credit should be given to Sangwan and Bhatia who bowled brilliantly under pressure and shared 7 wickets between them. Deccan Chargers lost 7 wickets in just 17 balls. The Man of the Match award was given to Rajat Bhatia who wrecked the Deccan Chargers with his yorkers and slower ones, thereby taking 4 wickets.

Now this was again a match where the Delhi DareDevils proved why they are on the top of the charts. I mean they have become so strong as a team of 11 players where every player makes useful contribution in some match or the other and I guess they would be the only team in the world to have Glen McGrath and Danniel Vettori as extra players and still win as many matches. No surprises if any of these two teams turn out to be the winners for this year’s IPL!