Brilliant bowling by Umesh yadav and Morne Morkel, backed by some hard-hitting from David Warner saw Delhi Daredevils defeat Kings XI Punjab by 6 wickets.
A David Warner blitz saw Delhi Daredevils inflict a 6-wicket defeat on Kings XI Punjab that knocked out Gilchrist-led outfit from IPL V here today.
Delhi overhauled the 142-run target with 10 balls to spare and ensured that they end the league engagements on top of the table with 22 points, which means that they will have two chances to make it to the title clash.
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Punjab needed to win today's contest to stay in play-offs contention but putting up just 141 for eight did not help their cause.
David Warner during his brilliant 44-ball knock. Pic/AFP
Earlier, great bowling by Morne and Yadav helped Delhi restrict Kings XI Punjab to 141 for eight.
Electing to field, Delhi bowlers stuck to their task from the start, barring a few overs in the middle, to stop Punjab from posting a big total at the HPCA stadium.
Siddharth Chitnis top—scored for Punjab with a 32—ball 38 and, together with Azhar Mahmood (36), added 57 runs for the fifth wicket, which was the only highlight of the hosts’ innings.
Punjab were off to a worst possible start in their must—win last league fixture as they slumped to 20 for four inside the mandatory powerplay. The hosts were never allowed to get off the hook by the Delhi bowlers.
Punjab lost opener Mandeep Singh (0) in the second over of the match to Umesh, who induced an edge that was taken by wicketkeeper Naman Ojha.
Skipper Adam Gilchrist (9) departed in the fourth over bowled by Umesh, when he played the pull, only ending up getting a top—edge that was lapped up by Varun Aaron at mid—on.
Teammates congratulate pacer Umesh Yadav (centre) for taking the wicket of Adam Gilchrist. Pic/AFP
Paul Valthaty’s miserable run in the tournament continued as he was caught by Irfan Pathan at third—man off Morkel while trying an upper cut.
Umesh made matters worse for the hosts as he got dangerman David Hussey (3) caught at mid—on by Pathan to leave Punjab tottering at 20 for four.
With his team struggling, Chitnis strode to the crease and responded to the situation by running a few quick singles and hitting the occasional boundaries.
Chitnis, along with Mahmood, tried to take Kings XI to a comfortable position but the Maharashtra player holed out to fine—leg fielder Pathan off Andre Russell after being involved in a 57—run stand.
Chitnis’ 32—ball knock was laced with one six and five fours.
After the dismissal of Chitnis, Mahmood and Gurkeerat (26) tried to provide the late flourish, but the Delhi bowlers were equal to the task.
Ryan Harris accumulated 15 runs off the last over bowled by Umesh to take his team past 140.
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