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Kolkata vs Delhi Live Commentary, Match 26, Indian Premier League, 2019, April 12, 2019

KKR 178/7 (20)
Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets
DC 180/3 (18.5)
Match over
Kolkata Knight Riders Inning Delhi Capitals Inning
0.0 : Hello and welcome to game no. 26 of this year's Indian T20 League and it is a clash between Kolkata and Delhi in the former's den. The hosts will be delighted to get back to familiar conditions after they were blown away by Chennai in unfamiliar conditions. They though are still nicely placed on the table and they will be eager to get back to winning ways. A win here will see them remain second on the table, however, a win for their opponents will see them break into the top 4. They have momentu
Pitch Report - Ian Bishop says that the seamers can bowl the short ball as it could be a good tactic but that can also travel if not bowled properly. Informs that it is a well-grassed surface and the ball won't turn a lot but it will skid and slide on. Ends by saying that dew might be a factor so chasing should be better.
TOSS - Delhi win the toss and they elect to bowl first.
Shreyas Iyer says they want to bowl first, the wicket looks like a belter and he wants to see how it plays. Mentions they have done well chasing and hence, they want to chase. Informs Keemo Paul comes in for Sandeep Lamichhane.
Dinesh Karthik says the last game was an aberration, they did not expect the wicket to play like that and they are now looking forward to this one. Informs they have three forced changes, Joe Denly, Lockie Ferguson and Carlos Brathwaite come in for Harry Gurney, Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn. The forced changes are because one is down with flu while one has an injury scare.
Delhi (Playing XI) - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(C), Rishabh Pant(WK), Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Keemo Paul (IN), Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma.
Kolkata (Playing XI) - Joe Denly (IN), Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(WK/C), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite (IN), Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson (IN), Prasidh Krishna.
Lisa Sthalekar is having a chat with Sourav Ganguly. Dada is not too perturbed with the fact that he was playing for Kolkata for so long but is in Delhi's think-tank now. Feels that the wicket will be good and run-supportive and adds that people come to see only run fests. Is impressed with the young talent in Delhi and hopes that their career paths are defined in the right way.
Simon Katich rings the bell and we are all set for the action to begin now! The Delhi players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by a new opening pair for Kolkata, Joe Denly and Shubman Gill. The former will take strike and he will be facing Ishant Sharma. Here we go...
0.1 : I Sharma to Joe Denly, OUT! KABOOM! What a start that is to the game. A wicket off the very first ball. Joe Denly bags a golden duck on his Kolkata debut. A top, top nut to get first up. That swung in like a banana from way outside off. It is also on a fuller length. Denly ends up playing against the swing as he tries to drive it through the off side. He misses and his off stump goes for a walk. Replays show that the ball has flicked the pads before hitting the stumps. Delhi are pumped up h
Robin Uthappa is the new batsman in.
0.2 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Full and outside off, watchfully pushed towards point.
0.3 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Landed outside off, watchfully pushed towards point again.
0.4 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Play and a miss. Ishant is making the ball talk. On a length, just outside off, Uthappa looked to defend but the ball just moved off the surface a bit and beat the outside edge. Did not carry through to the keeper.
0.5 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Good pace from Ishant. In the 140s. This one nips back in a long way from outside off, Uthappa fails to counter the movement and is hit on the thighs as he looks to flick.
0.6 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Superb bowling. After bringing the previous one in, he gets this one to move away. Uthappa looks to play at that but misses. A sensational WICKET MAIDEN from Ishant.
Chris Morris to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : C Morris to S Gill, FOUR! Gill and Kolkata are underway. Starts off with a full ball on the pads, Gill just flicks it with ease through mid-wicket and gets a boundary.
1.2 : C Morris to S Gill, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
1.3 : C Morris to R Uthappa, FOUR! Leg side again from Morris and he pays the price for it. Full and straight, Uthappa walks across and flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary!
1.4 : C Morris to R Uthappa, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
1.5 : C Morris to R Uthappa, Outside off, Robin opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it behind point for a single.
1.6 : C Morris to S Gill, Excellent yorker to end the over, dug out for a run. What a contrasting couple of overs - Wicket maiden followed by a 11-run one.
2.1 : I Sharma to S Gill, Bowls a length ball outside off, Gill just keeps it out.
2.2 : I Sharma to S Gill, An outswinger this time, pitching outside off on a fuller length, Gill drives it to covers.
2.3 : I Sharma to S Gill, That's lucky for Gill. It would have been touch and go. Gill taps this length ball to mid on and goes for a quick run. Iyer at mid on, collects the ball quickly and has a shy at the non-striker's end. Luckily for Gill, Iyer did not hit or else he was a goner.
2.4 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Full on off, Robin plays it back to the bowler.
2.5 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Leg bye! Bowls it on a length, pitching on leg, Uthappa goes for the flick but misses and the ball rolls towards point for a leg bye.
2.6 : I Sharma to S Gill, FOUR! Ishant changes length and gets punished. He was bowling full throughout the over and goes for the short one this time. Gill is ready for it as he goes on the back foot and pulls it handsomely through mid-wicket for a four.
Kagiso Rabada into the attack now.
3.1 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
3.2 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, FOUR! Skewed, but safe! On a length outside off, Uthappa looks to go inside out but the bat turns in his hands. Gets a thickish outside edge which flies over point.
3.3 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, The batsman works it down the leg side.
3.4 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, FOUR! Too easy. On the pads, flicked through square leg for the second boundary of this over.
3.5 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, Outside off, punched straight to point.
3.6 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, FOUR! Third boundary of the over! Outside off, Uthappa waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it late past short third man! 12 from the over...
4.1 : I Sharma to S Gill, FOUR! Another short ball and another four. Ishant bowls a leg cutter, short and on off, Gill pulls it with ease for a boundary.
4.2 : I Sharma to S Gill, Full and on the pads, Gill flicks it straight to square leg.
4.3 : I Sharma to S Gill, FOUR! Gill is in some fine form here. Fourth boundary for him. Sharma bowls it on a length on the pads, Gill flicks it uppishly behind square for another boundary.
4.4 : I Sharma to S Gill, Bowls it on a length outside leg and going down with the angle, Gill moves across and pushes it towards point for a single.
4.5 : I Sharma to R Uthappa, Starys on the pads to Robin, who flicks it on the leg side for a single.
4.6 : I Sharma to S Gill, Poor bowling, but there is insurance. Full and straight, Gill flicks it away but straight to deep mid-wicket. A run taken.
Axar Patel to bowl now.
5.1 : A Patel to S Gill, Starts off with a slower delivery on off, Gill pushes it back to the bowler.
5.2 : A Patel to S Gill, Similar ball, Gill does the same and punches it back to the bowler.
5.3 : A Patel to S Gill, Bowls it a little wider and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a run.
5.4 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Down the leg side, played to square leg.
5.5 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Full and down the leg side, Uthappa looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
5.6 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Outside off, pushed straight to point. 41/1 in the Powerplay for Kolkata.
Keemo Paul time.
6.1 : K Paul to S Gill, Starts with a length ball outside off, Gill drives it uppishly just above Ingram at covers. The deep fielder keeps it down to two.
6.2 : K Paul to S Gill, No ball! Bowls it outside off on a length, Gill drives it mid on and takes a quick run.
FREE HIT time! Time for the first six of the game?
K Paul to R Uthappa, SIX! Maximum use of the Free Hit! Poor bowling. Slower ball and that too, short in length. Uthappa waits and pulls it over long on! 50-RUN STAND IS UP!
6.3 : K Paul to R Uthappa, Fuller outside off, Uthappa drives it to covers and takes a run.
6.4 : K Paul to S Gill, FOUR! Take that says Gill. Uthappa hits a six and Gill follows with a four. Paul bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Gill punches it through point for an easy boundary.
6.5 : K Paul to S Gill, Full on off, Gill drives it to mid on and changes strike.
6.6 : K Paul to R Uthappa, Strays on the pads, Uthappa flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a run.
7.1 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.
7.2 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Full and outside off, pushed towards long off for a single.
7.3 : A Patel to S Gill, Bowls it slower and outside off, Gill drives it to mid off and takes a single.
7.4 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Changes line and bowls it short, Uthappa rocks back and pulls it hard to deep backward square leg but just for a single.
7.5 : A Patel to S Gill, Fuller on the pads, Gill flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.
7.6 : A Patel to R Uthappa, Ends with a flatter ball darted in on off, Uthappa drives it straight to covers.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 1-0-12-0 so far.
8.1 : K Rabada to S Gill, Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
8.2 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, Full and outside off, driven straight back. Rabada does well to stick out his right leg and stop the ball.
8.3 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, Excellent bowling this from Rabada. Bowls a slower ball on a yorker length, Uthappa could do nothing but keep it out.
8.4 : K Rabada to R Uthappa, OUT! That is a stunner from Rishabh Pant and Uthappa has to go! The short ball does the trick. A couple were punished earlier but this time, it has resulted in a wicket. Also, the pace. 146.2 kph. No child's play. Robbie looks to pull but clearly is done in by the pace. Too much for him. The ball takes the glove and then lobs behind. Now, about the man doing the glovework. Rishabh Pant. The ball flies after making contact with the glove but Pant takes off too. Leaps f
STRATEGIC BREAK. Nitish Rana walks in at number 4, replacing Uthappa. Kolkata not quite running away with the game and Delhi will be happy. The bowling has been decent apart from a few loose balls and do not forget - the hosts are a bit light in batting tonight. Of course, that the batters other than Dre Russ have not fired is another food for thought...
8.5 : K Rabada to N Rana, Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
8.6 : K Rabada to S Gill, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 2 runs and a wicket from the over, Rabada's figures read 2-0-14-1.
Keemo Paul is back on. 1-0-17-0 so far.
9.1 : K Paul to N Rana, Starts off with a length ball outside off, Rana guides it down to third man for a single.
9.2 : K Paul to S Gill, This one is bowled in full and outside off, Gill drives it straight through covers and picks up a brace.
9.3 : K Paul to S Gill, Fuller on off, Shubman punches it through point for a single.
9.4 : K Paul to N Rana, Continues bowling on a length outside off to Rana, who again guides it down to third man for a run.
9.5 : K Paul to S Gill, Excellent running between the wickets by the two young batsmen. Paul bowls it full on the pads, Gill drives it straight to long on and completes an easy brace.
9.6 : K Paul to S Gill, Bowls it on a length on off, Gill pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
Ricky Ponting who is up for an interview says he is happy with the start as it looks a very good wicket. Further adds there is also dew around so he would be happy if they keep them down to 170. Mentions the bowlers have to bowl a good length here and Gill is playing a good innings but they have good pacers to pull things back. States they will look to not bowl Rabada anymore and hold him for the back end for Russell. Credits the way Iyer has been doing as a captain and says he is a terrific you
Ishant Sharma is back on.
10.1 : I Sharma to S Gill, Strays on the pads to Gill. He foes for the flick but misses, the ball hits his pads and goes through to the keeper.
10.2 : I Sharma to S Gill, Wide! This time it misses his pads as Sharma bowls the same line. The umpire signals this one as a wide.
I Sharma to S Gill, Continues bowling the same line but this time he bowls a low full toss on the pads to Gill. He flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
10.3 : I Sharma to N Rana, Sharma bowls this one way outside off to Rana. It would have been a wide had he left it but Rana drives it uppishly through covers for another single.
10.4 : I Sharma to S Gill, Fuller on off, Gill drives it mid on and takes a run.
10.5 : I Sharma to N Rana, Continues bowling outside off to the southpaw, who goes for the cut but under edges it to the keeper.
10.6 : I Sharma to N Rana, Wide! Don't know what is his thinking behind bowling so wide to Rana. He again bowls a wide delivery outside off, it is so wide that it is also outside the tramline. Rana goes for the cut but misses. Wided by the umpire.
I Sharma to N Rana, This one was a ripper. Ishant bowls it outside off, but on a back of a length. Rana goes for a cut again but misses as the ball just goes past his outside edge. Ishant Sharma finishes with excellent figures of 4-1-21-1.
Axar Patel time. 2-0-5-0 so far.
11.1 : A Patel to S Gill, Short and outside off,pulled straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.2 : A Patel to N Rana, Short again, too wide outside off, slapped through point for a run.
11.3 : A Patel to S Gill, SIX! Finally Gill dances! Very few shots in this innings have been aerial from him and eventually Gill decides it is time. Steps out, gets to the pitch of the ball and swings it cleanly over long on!
11.4 : A Patel to S Gill, Full and outside off, pushed through mid off for one.
11.5 : A Patel to N Rana, Too wide outside off, Rana looks to play the reverse sweep but misses.
11.6 : A Patel to N Rana, Full and outside off, now Rana looks to play the slog sweep but misses again.
Chris Morris returns. 1-0-11-0 so far.
12.1 : C Morris to S Gill, Fifty for Gill. His 2nd in the Indian T20 League. Morris bowls a length ball outside off, Gill cuts it behind point and straight to third man for a single.
12.2 : C Morris to N Rana, A short ball, outside off, Rana mistimes his heave towards mid on.
12.3 : C Morris to N Rana, SIX! Just over! A length ball, in line of the stumps, Rana flicks it casually over mid-wicket. Dhawan at the ropes leaps but the ball just eludes him.
12.4 : C Morris to N Rana, OUT! A perfect yorker and Rana is out of here! Superb bowling from Morris. Missed the yorker on the previous ball but this time got it right. Right under the bat as Rana looked to go hard through the off side. The LED bails illuminate. Replays show a bit of an inside edge...
Dinesh Karthik or Andre Russell? It is Dre Russ...
12.5 : C Morris to A Russell, Morris strightaway bowls a short ball to Russell, it was pitching outside leg and going down so Russell ducks under it and lets it go. Wided.
C Morris to A Russell, Excellent change of lengths here. He bowls a tailing yorker to Russell, he toe ends it straight to mid off.
12.6 : C Morris to A Russell, Ends the over with another excellent yorker. Russell does well to get bat on it as he plays it towards cover for a single and keeping the strike for the next over.
13.1 : A Patel to A Russell, Landed in line of the stumps, watchfully defended.
13.2 : A Patel to A Russell, FOUR! CRACK! Short and wide outside off, Russell rocks back and slaps it through point for a boundary!
13.3 : A Patel to A Russell, Punches this off the back foot for a single.
13.4 : A Patel to S Gill, SIX! Gill freeing up now! Full and outside off, plenty of flight, Gill gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket!
13.5 : A Patel to S Gill, FOUR! More runs. This is turning out to be a bonus over for Kolkata. Iyer wants the spinner to be done and dusted with quickly, before the death overs but this last over of his has taken a pounding. Short and fired down the leg side, 99.1 kph, Gill paddles it past short fine leg where the fielder dives but the ball goes through!
13.6 : A Patel to S Gill, Full and outside off, Shubman looks to go over the top but mistimes it towards mid off. The man is at long off, so the ball does not carry. A run taken. 16 from the over!
Keemo Paul is back on. 2-0-25-0 so far.
14.1 : K Paul to S Gill, FOUR! Excellent placement by Gill. Paul starts with a slower ball outside off stump line, Gill reads it early. Backs away and then just cuts it behind point for an excellent boundary.
14.2 : K Paul to S Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! Gill has to depart after a really fine innings. He was looking in excellent touch here but a poor shot does him in the end. Coming to the ball, it was a poor delivery from Paul who bowls it on a length on middle which was going down with the angle. Gill goes for the flick and connects well but the fielding placement by Iyer is excellent as he placed a short fine leg. Axar Patel there makes no mistake and takes an easy catch.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik is in.
14.3 : K Paul to D Karthik, Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
14.4 : K Paul to A Russell, FOUR! Too short and too far down the leg side. Russell helps it past the diving keeper to the fine leg fence.
14.5 : K Paul to A Russell, Flicks this through mid-wicket for a run.
14.6 : K Paul to D Karthik, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. 11 from the over and a wicket from it. Paul's figures read 3-0-36-1.
Kagiso Rabada returns. 2-0-14-1 so far.
15.1 : K Rabada to D Karthik, OUT! Catching practice. Karthik comes and Karthik goes. Not the best of balls from Rabada and one can sense by the smile on his face. This is like going to a shop to purchase a gift but then realizing that your wallet is not there. However, you get a return gift for free. Full and down the leg side, Karthik flicks it with excellent timing. However, there is a man waiting for the catch. Shikhar Dhawan it is and he takes it calmly at deep backward square leg. Once agai
0.0 : STRATEGIC BREAK. Kolkata are losing the plot here, they were cruising after the fall of the first wicket when Uthappa and Gill made a comeback and build a 63-run partnership. But once Uthappa departed, the hosts have been a little on the back foot as the scoring runs but some poor shots have resulted in the fall of a couple of more wickets. With 5 overs remaining and another West Indian coming out to bat in the name of Carlos Braithwaite, will Kolkata be able to continue their big-hitting in the
15.2 : K Rabada to A Russell, FOUR! Brilliant batting. Not for the first time this season, have we seen placement and timing apart from power, from Russell. Outside off, on a length, Dre Russ backs away and delicately opens the face of the bat to guide it past short third man.
15.3 : K Rabada to A Russell, Banged in short, outside off, Andre bails out of the shot.
15.4 : K Rabada to A Russell, SIX! CRASH! The first of the night! Full and outside off, Russell gets down and slogs it over deep mid-wicket. Flat hit!
15.5 : K Rabada to A Russell, Down the leg side, flicked away for a single.
15.6 : K Rabada to C Brathwaite, Another freebie on the pads, flicked towards fine leg for a run. 12 from the over, 39 off the last 3!
Chris Morris time. 2-0-20-1 so far.
16.1 : C Morris to C Brathwaite, Fuller length ball on off, Carlos pushes it to point and takes a run.
16.2 : C Morris to A Russell, Length ball outside off, Russell pushes it to mid off and takes a run.
16.3 : C Morris to C Brathwaite, Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Braithwaite punches it with soft hands and the ball rolls towards cover as they pickup a quick single.
A bit of sawdust being sprayed around the bowler's landing area. Apparently, Morris was slipping, so he called for the same.
16.4 : C Morris to A Russell, OUT OF MY WAY! Oh dear... poor Brathwaite. He is smiling and thank God for the abdomen guard. This was hammered. Absolutely nailed. Short and outside off, Russell backs away and slaps it straight back. Unfortunately for him and more unluckily for his partner, it is straight at his box. Brathwaite tries to duck but is hit on the box. Ouch. But he shows no pain. Instead, he shows a thumbs up and smiles! Strong man...
16.5 : C Morris to A Russell, SIX! Colossal! Well you don't bowl those to any batsman. Morris bowls a waist height full toss to Russell, he just clobbers it over deep mid-wicket and for a maximum. Russell asks for a no-ball and that looked close but the leg umpire denies to it so it will be a legal delivery.
16.6 : C Morris to A Russell, Full on off, Russell pushes it to mid off and changes strike.
17.1 : K Rabada to A Russell, SIX! What. A. Shot. Rabada can just stand over there and admire the hit. He has followed Russell with a short ball but what has the Jamaican done? He has gone through with the pull shot, with his eyes closed. It sails the distance over square leg!
17.2 : K Rabada to A Russell, A low full toss, on the legs, Dre Russ backs away and hits it over the bowler for a couple.
17.3 : K Rabada to A Russell, SIX! Another mistimed stroke goes the distance! Short and on middle, following the batsman again, Russell looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge and sails over mid-wicket this time!
17.4 : K Rabada to A Russell, Excellent change of line here. He almost bowls an absolute peach of a yorker. Russell could do nothing but keep it out and the ball rolls towards mid on for a single.
17.5 : K Rabada to C Brathwaite, Fuller on off, Carlos drives it to mid off and completes a quick run.
17.6 : K Rabada to A Russell, Ouch! That would hurt. Morris ends the over with a full toss near the waist on middle, Russell goes for the big heave but the ball takes an inside edge and hits him onto the box. He looks in some pain here.
A bit of a delay again as the physio comes out.
18.1 : C Morris to C Brathwaite, A length ball, around middle and off, Brathwaite goes across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
18.2 : C Morris to A Russell, OUT! Caught in the deep! Russell departs. Read that again. DRE RUSS OUT. But another good innings. And let us praise the field placement and the execution of the plan. The strategy was to bowl full and wide outside off and force Russell to go on the off side. It was a low full toss outside off and Andre squeezed it out. Gave it direction but it went straight to Kagiso Rabada at deep backward point who simply did not have to move an inch. Russell goes down on his hau
Piyush Chawla walks in at number 8, replacing Russell.
18.3 : C Morris to P Chawla, FOUR! Lucy there for Chawla. Morris changes the pace of the ball here and bowls a off cutter. Chawla goes for the drive as the ball takes the inside edge and rolls fine behind for a boundary. The ball was too close to the leg stump.
18.4 : C Morris to P Chawla, Bowls a yorker to Chawla, who manages to get bat on ball and the ball rolls to the off side for a single.
18.5 : C Morris to C Brathwaite, Fuller and straighter in line of the off stump, Carlos drives it to mid off for a run.
18.6 : C Morris to P Chawla, Another slower ball to end his over, this was pitched outside off on a fuller length, Chawla drives it uppishly over covers for a single. He will keep the strike for the last over. Morris finishes with 2 wickets in his quota.
Keemo Paul to bowl the final over. 3-0-36-1 so far.
19.1 : K Paul to P Chawla, Who wants it? Who wants it? Me! Me! Catch put down. What should have been a catch, turns out to be three runs. A length ball, outside off, Chawla looks to swing hard but is done in by the slower one. Gets a top edge which goes straight up in the air. Rahul Tewatia comes in from long on, Kagiso Rabada charges in from long off and the former puts it down. It goes past Rabada and the batsmen, who had already crossed once, jog across for two more.
19.2 : K Paul to C Brathwaite, OUT! Another catching practice. Slower ball again, on a length, Brathwaite pulls it but without much timing. Straight to Rahul Tewatia at deep mid-wicket.
Kuldeep Yadav time. With the bat.
19.3 : K Paul to P Chawla, FOUR! Excellent batting! A yorker outside off, Chawla squeezes it behind point and the ball races away!
19.4 : K Paul to P Chawla, Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
19.5 : K Paul to K Yadav, Dot ball. Outside off, Kuldeep looks to swing hard but misses.
19.6 : K Paul to K Yadav, A top edge to end the innings. Another slower ball, around middle, Kuldeep looks to pull but gets a top edge which balloons over the keeper. Short fine leg gets across and keeps the batsmen down to a couple. KOLKATA FINISH ON 178/7!
Hmmm... what are Delhi thinking... what are Delhi thinking...179... chaseable... dew setting in. Not too much damage done by Russell in the end. The visitors will take this.
Remember the first ball dismissal of Unmukt Chand by Brett Lee? That Kolkata-Delhi clash of 2013. Today it was Ishant Sharma doing a repeat, taking out Joe Denly. The hosts' top order woes continued and even though Uthappa and Gill added 63 for the second wicket, it came at a slow pace. Gill held one end up and tried to counter-attack but then, was dismissed in the 15th over.
5 overs left. Andre Russell at the crease. What do you expect? Fireworks. And we got plenty of them. The big Jamaican blazed his way through to a 20-ball 45 but then a smart piece of bowling got him out in the 19th over. A good 11 balls missed. Would those have propelled the home side to 200? Well, if a team can chase down 70-plus in 4 overs, they can do anything, can't they? Nothing much from the other batsmen.
Delhi bowled well and even in the period where they were not getting wickets, they kept Kolkata reasonably quiet. They leaked some runs towards the latter half of the innings but that is expected. Ishant bowled a wonderful spell of 4-1-21-1 while Axar kept things quiet in the middle. Morris, Rabada and Paul picked up 2 wickets apiece but were on the expensive side.
Ishant Sharma is having a chat with Ian Bishop. The Indian fast bowler says he did not expect a wicket maiden to begin with but feels great. Mentions the Test series has given him confidence and he is also working hard which has helped him bowl well here. He advices his batters to take their time and also with the dew and Narine not playing, he feels Delhi have the advantage.
179 to win then. Dew present. Do Kolkata have enough? On the flip side, can Delhi's misfiring batting fire? And also, with this unit, a collapse is never far. Stay tuned...
0.0 : We are back for the chase! The Delhi openers, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan walk out to the middle. The former scored a 99 in the previous fixture between the two. Something similar is what Delhi would love. Kolkata on the other hand, would like a few early wickets. Prasidh Krishna to start the proceedings for them. Here we go...
0.1 : P Krishna to P Shaw, Delhi are underway! Slightly short and on the body, Shaw works it through square leg. The fielder is in the deep and a single is taken.
0.2 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Good delivery! From around the wicket, Krishna comes running in and lands it around off. It comes back in. Dhawan looks to play at it with soft hands but ends up getting an inside edge to short fine leg.
0.3 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Just behind a driving length around off, Dhawan throws his bat at it but can't get past cover point.
0.4 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, A good short ball on the body of Dhawan. He may have been a little surprised by it as he defends it awkwardly.
0.5 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Good shot but for no runs! 4 dots in a row, this is turning out to be a good first over. Dhawan makes room and there is width on offer outside off. Shikhar slaps it but straight to point.
0.6 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, A dot to end! Just the single from the first over. However, he gets away with one here. This is short and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but mistimes it towards cover.
Lockie Ferguson to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : L Ferguson to P Shaw, Ferguson starts with a short delivery on leg, Shaw taps it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
1.2 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, Sticking on the leg stump line, Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single.
1.3 : L Ferguson to P Shaw, A back of a length on off, Shaw punches it to covers.
1.4 : L Ferguson to P Shaw, SIX! A flat one! What a shot! Ferguson is guilty of offering a lot of width outside off. Shaw is down on one knee as he lofts it over covers. It is right off the middle and it carries all the way. First of the innings.
1.5 : L Ferguson to P Shaw, A great comeback of Lockie, a slower dipping yorker and Shaw manages to keep it away.
1.6 : L Ferguson to P Shaw, SIX! Top edge and it goes all the way! A maximum to end a very expensive first by Ferguson. He goes short and on the body of Shaw. Prithvi swivels and tries to pull but the ball flies off the top edge, over the keeper's head and over the fence. 14 from the over, not what Kolkata wanted after a tight first.
2.1 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, SIX! Dealing in maximums are Delhi here. One to begin the third. It is short and outside off, Dhawan arches and then lofts it over the slip fielder for a biggie.
2.2 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, FOUR! Krishna is not learning here! He continues bowling to Dhawan;s strenght. Short and outside off, Dhawan says thank you very much and he slaps it over point for a boundary. 10 from the two balls bowled.
Review time! Karthik feels he has got his man here. The umpire though feels different. Dinesh has taken a review for a caught behind.
2.3 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, NOT OUT! There was not a lot of evidence to over turn the on-field call. A good decision in the end. Kolkata lose their only review very early. Krishna bowls this one on a length and outside off, this jags back in sharply. Dhawan tries to keep it out but the ball sneaks between pad and bat. Karthik appeals and it is a confident one. The umpire shakes his head. Kolkata take the review. Now Ultra Edge does detect something but from one angle it seems to be the glove an
2.4 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, SIX! Poor bowling again! Short and wide, Dhawan would hit that all day long. He cuts it uppishly and it carries all the way. Second maximum of the over.
2.5 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, A fuller length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
2.6 : P Krishna to P Shaw, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! No doubt this time and Krishna has provided the much-needed breakthrough. The high-flying opening stand has been cut short. A very good ball this. Krishna pitches it on a length and around off, gets it to straighten just a touch. Shaw ends up playing inside the line, he gets an outside edge. Karthik behind does really well to dive to his right and take it brilliantly. Kolkata now have a chance to pull things back a little. End of an action-packed o
Captain Shreyas Iyer walks in at number 3, replacing Shaw. Andre Russell to bowl.
3.1 : A Russell to S Dhawan, FOUR! Misfield costs another boundary. A back of a length delivey on off, Dhawan slices it to backward point and fumble by Krishna gets Dhawan a four.
3.2 : A Russell to S Dhawan, DROPPED AND FOUR! A tough chance though. Russell lands this one just outside off and it is on a length. Dhawan pokes at it and the ball takes the outside edge. The ball flies through first slip. Rana at flying slip dives to his right, gets a hand to it but can't hang on. The ball races to the third man fence. Consecutive boundaries and both lucky.
3.3 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A short length delivery, Dhawan blocks it.
3.4 : A Russell to S Dhawan, FOUR! Nothing lucky about this one! Delightful from Dhawan. It is fuller in length on middle, Dhawan with a very straight bat strokes it past the mid on fielder. Three boundaries in the 4 balls bowled by Russell.
3.5 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A back of a length outside off, Dhawan taps it to point.
3.6 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A short ball this time by Russell, Dhawan pulls it to fine leg for a single. 13 runs from the first over of Russell. An unfortunate one for Russell, he could have had a wicket to his name but instead turns out to be an expensive over.
Lockie Ferguson is back!
4.1 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, The slower short ball to begin with! Dhawan defends it beside the pitch and sets off for a run. It is a race between the bowler and the non-striker. Ferguson tries to kick it onto the stumps but fails to do so.
4.2 : L Ferguson to S Iyer, Good delivery! Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. It is slightly shorter. Shreyas Iyer tries to defend it off the back foot but misses.
4.3 : L Ferguson to S Iyer, On middle, Iyer pushes it to mid on.
4.4 : L Ferguson to S Iyer, FOUR! Delightful from Iyer this time! Slower ball and it is very full in length. Shreyas waits for it and then strokes it down to the long on fence. 50 up for the visitors and it has come up in very quick time.
4.5 : L Ferguson to S Iyer, Soft leading edge! Good running in the end! Slower ball again on middle, Iyer looks to play it with a closed face of the bat. He is early to do so and the ball goes off the leading edge towards mid off for a quick run.
4.6 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, FOUR! Short and that sits up to be hit! Dhawan is quickly onto the back foot and dismisses it through mid-wicket. 10 from Lockie's second as well. 124 needed in 90.
5.1 : A Russell to S Iyer, Well played in the end! This one jags back in from outside off. Iyer adjusts well and then guides it towards the off side for a quick run.
5.2 : A Russell to S Dhawan, Bowls it on a length and on middle, it straightens just a touch. Dhawan keeps it out.
5.3 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A length delivery on off, Dhawan drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
5.4 : A Russell to S Iyer, OUT! 50th Indian T20 League wicket for Russell. Iyer has been caught down the leg side! Excellent sportsmanship from the Delhi skipper as he has walked. A very soft, soft dismissal and Iyer will be very frustrated with himself. Russell though is up and running in his celebration. A nothing delivery this, down the leg side. Iyer looks to flick but gets a feather to Karthik who takes it and appeals. Before the umpire gives it out, Iyer is walking back. Russell gets his fi
Rishabh Pant is the new man in.
5.5 : A Russell to R Pant, A nasty welcome and Russell's followthrough is right uptill the batsman. He has his tail up here. A good bumper on middle, Pant ducks under it.
5.6 : A Russell to R Pant, A dot to end! An excellent 6th. Kolkata needed an over like this. Just the 2 and a wicket from it. Length and on off, Pant blocks it out. Delhi are 57 for 2 after it. Their run rate is superb but they have lost two.
Kuldeep Yadav is on now!
6.1 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Kuldeep starts with a short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it to sweeper cover for a double.
6.2 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan easily drives it to covers for a single.
6.3 : K Yadav to R Pant, This is flatter and outside off, Pant goes back and guides it to point.
6.4 : K Yadav to R Pant, A little too straight, Pant works it through mid-wicket. They take the first one quickly but there is no chance for the second.
6.5 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, On the shorter side, Dhawan pushes it to the left of the bowler. He fails to stop it and it is a single down to long on.
6.6 : K Yadav to R Pant, Pant dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He adjusts and guides it through point for a single. A good start for Kuldeep.
Piyush Chawla is on now! Spin from both ends.
7.1 : P Chawla to R Pant, Chawla starts with a wrong one on off, Pant cuts it down to sweeper cover for an easy single.
7.2 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, A short delivery on off, Dhawan cuts it through covers and runs a double this time.
7.3 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, Chawla applies flight to this, Shikhar taps it on the off side and runs for a single.
7.4 : P Chawla to R Pant, A short delivery on off, Pants cuts it to point. Single taken.
7.5 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, A little too much of air on this ball, Dhawan taps it to backward point and runs for a single. Rana at the position scores a direct hit but Pant was well in.
7.6 : P Chawla to R Pant, FOUR! In the gap! Pant takes the risk and it comes off! He goes for the slog sweep, it is not right off the middle. Also, he has to drag it from outside off. The ball is in the gap in the mid-wicket region and a boundary. Spoils the over, 10 from it.
8.1 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, A short delivery on off, Dhawan pulls it to long on for an easy run.
8.2 : K Yadav to R Pant, A quicker one from Kuldeep. Pant blocks it.
8.3 : K Yadav to R Pant, A flighted delivery on off, Pant drives it straight to the cover fielder.
8.4 : K Yadav to R Pant, A short delivery to follow, Pant keeps it away.
8.5 : K Yadav to R Pant, A half tracker on off, Pant punches it to long on. Single taken.
8.6 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Yadav flights this one, Dhawan drives it long on for a run. 3 runs from this over. A decent over by Kuldeep Yadav.
The Strategic break has been signaled! Delhi moving along nicely here. Both Dhawan and Pant are playing sensibly at the moment and the visitors would hope they can continue. Kolkata on the other hand, know they need to break this stand early and once they do so, they will be into the fragile middle order of the away team. Also, Carlos Brathwaite is on now! So just the single over for Chawla.
9.1 : C Brathwaite to S Dhawan, A short by Carlos, Dhawan pulls it to square leg for a single.
9.2 : C Brathwaite to R Pant, Same length by Brathwaite, Pant pulls it to square leg and adds a single.
9.3 : C Brathwaite to S Dhawan, Change of length by Carlos, Dhawan dances down the track and takes a double towards the square leg region.
9.4 : C Brathwaite to S Dhawan, FOUR! Brings up his 50 in style. His 34th in this format! He though needs to continue, only half the job is done! Dhawan makes room and it is the slower one outside off, Dhawan slaps it away from sweeper cover and a boundary results.
9.5 : C Brathwaite to S Dhawan, FOUR! Poor bowling and put away! Consecutive boundaries! Short and down the leg side, easy pickings. Dhawan pulls it through backward square leg and into the fence.
9.6 : C Brathwaite to S Dhawan, Dhawan flicks this one to square leg for a single. 91 runs needed in 60 balls.
10.1 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, A flighted delivery on leg, Dhawan drives it to long on.
10.2 : K Yadav to R Pant, Wide. Yadav goes down the leg side. Pant misses his sweep. Wided.
K Yadav to R Pant, SIX! A one-handed biggie! Dances down the track, gets to the pitch of it. Lofts it over the long off fence by taking a hand off the handle. Pin-drop silence here as Delhi are cruising at the moment.
New ball please! The previous one has been lost.
10.3 : K Yadav to R Pant, On the shorter side, Pant goes back and punches it through covers for a run.
10.4 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Dhawan looks to disturb the line of the bowler by moving around in the crease. Kuldeep sticks to bowling it on the stumps, Shikhar pushes it to covers.
10.5 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Flatter and outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but due to the extra bounce, an outside edge is produced to short third man.
10.6 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, A single to end! Dhawan sweeps it to deep square leg. So just the single from the last three balls. Kuldeep did well to pull it back.
Nitish Rana is on now. Karthik trying everything here.
11.1 : N Rana to S Dhawan, Rana starts with a fuller length on off, Dhawan drives it to long off for a run.
11.2 : N Rana to R Pant, A flighted delivery on middle and leg, Pant pushes it to long on. Single taken. This brings up 100-runs on the scoreboard for Delhi.
11.3 : N Rana to S Dhawan, Rana drifts down leg, Dhawan flicks it to square leg for a double.
11.4 : N Rana to S Dhawan, A flighted delivery on off, Dhawan comes out of the crease and drives it to cover for a single.
11.5 : N Rana to R Pant, Flatter delivery on leg, Pant hits it to square leg for a run.
11.6 : N Rana to S Dhawan, A short delivery by Rana, Dhawan pulls it to mid-wicket. Single taken. 74 runs needed from 48 deliveries.
Lockie Ferguson is back on!
12.1 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Ferguson! Ideal start to the over. Full and outside off, easy for Dhawan, he strokes it through covers and you need not run for those. Also, the 50-run stand is up. A very important one for Delhi, they are on top at the moment but the job is not done.
12.2 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, This time Dhawan cuts it to the right of the fielder at sweeper cover and the batters take two. 6 from the first two balls.
12.3 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, Attacks the stumps, Dhawan works it to mid off.
12.4 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, Sprays down the leg side and it has been wided. Not good bowling this, can't give away free runs at the moment.
L Ferguson to S Dhawan, FOUR! Brilliant from Dhawan! Second boundary in the over and it is once again in the cover region. Full and on off, Dhawan just puts bat to ball, pierces the gap in the region and a boundary results.
12.5 : L Ferguson to S Dhawan, Not getting it right here! Bowls a full toss now, Dhawan flicks it but straight to deep square leg for a single.
12.6 : L Ferguson to R Pant, Another full toss but another single as Pant flicks it to the same fielder Dhawan did to. 13 from the over and Delhi need 61 in 42. Run rate needed is below 9 now.
Piyush Chawla is back on.
13.1 : P Chawla to R Pant, FOUR! Another one which begins with a boundary! Short and it is the googly. Pant picks it and he slaps it through covers. It races to the fence.
13.2 : P Chawla to R Pant, This time through the leg side, not a boundary but a couple! Shortish and on off, Pant whips it towards mid-wicket. Russell does well to keep it down to two.
13.3 : P Chawla to R Pant, Another googly, Pant punches it again but finds cover. A dot, they need a few more.
13.4 : P Chawla to R Pant, A straighter line this time, Pant hits it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.5 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, A single now! Sensible batting by Dhawan. Knows there is not a lot of risk to be taken so he eases it down to long off for a single.
13.6 : P Chawla to R Pant, FOUR! Boundary to begin the over and boundary to end! Not off the middle though but Delhi will take it. Pant is down on one knee and goes for the sweep. It goes off the inner half and through mid-wicket for a boundary. 49 more needed in 36. Delhi's game to lose now.
Prasidh Krishna is back into the attack.
14.1 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Starts off with a good delivery, on the body of the batsman. Dhawan is cramped for room so he pushes it back to the bowler.
14.2 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, FOUR! Too easy for Dhawan! You bowl him there, he would do that everytime. A half volley and on off, Dhawan strokes it past mid off. Russell there dives but in vain. A boundary.
14.3 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Now follows the boundary up with a single down to long off.
14.4 : P Krishna to R Pant, Ouch! This is angled into the batsman. Pant looks to flick but misses. Gets hit near the box. It rolls towards the off side and a leg bye is taken.
Pant is down at the non-striker's end. He seems to be in pain. The physio is out.
Pant is taking a long time to recover, it seems. So the umpires have called for the STRATEGIC BREAK. Delhi are cruising. But we will keep our lips sealed. And our fingers as well. We have seen this in the past that Delhi have cruised through, only to fumble towards the end. What's in store tonight?
14.5 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, Good delivery that! Bends his back on this one and bangs it short outside off. Dhawan looks to cut but misses as that one had extra bounce.
14.6 : P Krishna to S Dhawan, A couple to end another producitve over for the visitors. Dhawan slashes at this one which is wide outside off. Ferguson at sweeper cover runs to his right, slides and keeps it to two.
Kuldeep Yadav to bowl out. 3-0-18-0 so far.
15.1 : K Yadav to R Pant, Slower through the air on middle, Pant first looks to charge but then seeing the length, stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
15.2 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Well fielded! Dhawan plays the sweep towards short fine leg. Krishna there qui8ckly moves to his right, then slides and stops it. Can't stop the single.
15.3 : K Yadav to R Pant, Kuldeep changes the angle! Pant steps out. Kuldeep bowls it short and outside off, Pant can only slap it through cover for a run. Just three from the first three balls.
15.4 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, FOUR! The boundary that is needed in the over has come! Dhawan makes very good use of the feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. He smashes it to the long on fence.
15.5 : K Yadav to S Dhawan, Into the 90s now with this deft touch towards short third man for a single.
15.6 : K Yadav to R Pant, A couple to end! Pant uses his feet again and with soft hands works it towards mid on for a brace. 10 from this over as well and now Delhi need 31 in 24.
Andre Russell returns. 2-0-15-1 so far.
16.1 : A Russell to S Dhawan, Slower one to begin with! Dhawan pushes it down to long off for a single.
16.2 : A Russell to R Pant, FOUR! Smashed! A half volley and it has been put away! Very full and outside off, Pant hits it through covers. Long off had no chance.
16.3 : A Russell to R Pant, SIX! That is probably the blow which seals it for Delhi. The runs needed is below the balls to be bowled. The slower one and it has been picked. Pant lofts it over long on and it goes all the way. The 100-run stand is also up, they have taken Delhi to the brink of victory, they now need to take them to victory.
16.4 : A Russell to R Pant, Short and on the body, Pant pulls it to deep square leg for a single. Singles will do it now!
16.5 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A good short ball outside off, Dhawan looks to upper cut it but misses.
16.6 : A Russell to S Dhawan, A couple to edn! So 17 needed in the last 3 overs. Slightly short and outside off, Dhawan drives it square on the off side and takes two.
Nitish Rana is back on! Also, Russell is seen walking off the field.
17.1 : N Rana to R Pant, OUT! PANT HOLES OUT! He has thrown it away! This was just needless. This though has been his problem throughout this edition, plays an excellent innings but does not finish off the game for his team. He walks down the track and looks to go for another one-handed biggie. This time he does not time it and it goes straight into the hands of the fielder at long on. Kuldeep Yadav makes no mistake. 17 needed in 17. Delhi can't surely lose it from here right or can they? We will
0.0 : Colin Ingram walks in at number 5, replacing Pant. Surely can hang around with Dhawan to seal this through...
17.2 : N Rana to S Dhawan, Just a single as this is slapped through covers.
17.3 : N Rana to C Ingram, Fires this on the stumps, Ingram punches it back to the bowler.
17.4 : N Rana to C Ingram, A risky run but they complete it in the end! Ingram first looks to paddle but then seeing the line is outside off, he guides it towards point. The batsmen go for a single and complete it as the throw from the fielder is a week one.
Mind games... Dhawan lines up for a big hit but then Rana does not deliver at all.
17.5 : N Rana to S Dhawan, Good running! Dhawan taps it to the right of the bowler and sets off for a single. They complete it.
17.6 : N Rana to C Ingram, A couple to finish! 12 in 12! Ingram dances down the track and hits it hard towards long off. The fielder there makes a good diving stop, can't stop two though. A good over though by Rana, he has given Kolkata some hope.
Piyush Chawla to bowl. 2-0-22-0 so far.
18.1 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, Needed a direct hit! The googly from Chawla, it pitches around off. Dhawan picks it and then guides it towards short third man. They go for a run. The fielder throws it to the keeper who fails to collect it.
18.2 : P Chawla to C Ingram, FOUR! Edgy, that would do for Delhi! Runs needed in single digits now. This is slower and it is tossed up outside off. Ingram throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages an outside edge to the third man fence.
18.3 : P Chawla to C Ingram, Now looks to go for the slog sweep but sees the line is not quite there for that shot. He sensibly hits it through covers for a single.
18.4 : P Chawla to S Dhawan, On the pads, this is worked around the corner for a run. Dhawan moves onto 97 and Delhi need 5.
18.5 : P Chawla to C Ingram, SIX! INGRAM FINISHES IT OFF IN STYLE! No hundred for Dhawan. Ingram clears the front leg and then tonks the ball over the long on fence. All smiles though in the Delhi camp as THEY HAVE WON BY 7 WICKETS!
Wow. Did not think this would happen. Everyone was waiting for a Dhawan century. But poor guy has been stranded on 97. 97 - would you believe that? But kudos to the team. Chased down 179 with 7 balls to spare. 7th successive run chase in this tournament.
Focussing away from the individual landmark, let us now move to the team performance. Delhi entered the Eden with 1 win in 8 outings against Kolkata. Finally they have doubled their wins. Well orchestrated, with Shikhar Dhawan batting till the end, with good support from Rishabh Pant. Delhi might have felt that they were in trouble having lost 2 inside the Powerplay but with Gabbar around, they were always comfortable. The 105-run stand for the third wicket sealed the game for the visitors.
Not the greatest outing for Kolkata with the ball. The focus has been so much on Andre Russell that all the other factors have been ignored. Ian Bishop on air mentioned that the home side have taken the least number of wickets this season. What about their batting? Where has it fired? Even in this game, it was more of Andre Russell's blitz that took them close to 180. Shubman Gill played a lone innings at the top.
Just three bowlers took wickets. Prasidh Krishna, Andre Russell and the last, by Nitish Rana. No wickets for Ferguson, Kuldeep, Chawla or Brathwaite. Their spin department is struggling while the pace department has not been at its best either. This win takes Delhi to 4th spot in the points table, while Kolkata stay on second. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
Kolkata skipper, Dinesh Karthik, says they were 15 runs short. Admits they did not bat as well as they should have. Adds that he expected his bowlers to put up a better fight. States Lynn and Narine were missed as they are an integral part of the team, but praises Gill for doing a very good job. Mentions it is hard on Joe Denly to get a game after a long time and get dismissed on the very first ball but expects him to come back stronger. Ends by saying they will try and come back stronger in the
Rishabh Pant comes over for a chat now. Says he tries to keep his head clear and play on the merit of the ball. Mentions he wanted to stay there till the end and complete the game as quickly as possible. States pacing the innings is very important while chasing something above 180. Further adds he does not focus on what the bowler is thinking and concentrates more on his strength. Ends by saying they were looking to take it deep and take their team over the line.
Victorious Delhi captain, Shreyas Iyer, says it is an amazing feeling, winning 4 out of 7 games, which is very rare since the time he has been playing. Adds that it was difficult to select the team but then Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly sat down together and decided to leave Sandeep Lamichhane out for Paul and it turned out to be a good move. Mentions that Dhawan loves to bat on such tracks and credits the way he played, appreciating him for batting till the end. Ends by saying someone from t
SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH FOR HIS UNBEATEN 97. Admits that the 100 was on the back of his mind but a victory is more important and hence, he did not look to go big. Adds that he was happy to work it around and stay till the end. On the pitch, Shikhar says that the track here is very different than the one in Delhi and it is a lovely wicket which supports both, the bowler and the batsman. Further says that the wicket is Delhi is more challenging and you need to adapt quic
That ends Friday's adventure. Over to Super Saturday now, where Mumbai host Rajasthan at the Wankhede at 4 pm local (1030 GMT), followed by the Punjab-Bangalore clash in Mohali at 8 pm local (1430 GMT). Do join us then for the weekend bash. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!