Gambhir leads Daredevils to win over Kings XI

Gautam Gambhir played the anchor role as Delhi Daredevils beat Kings XI Punjab in their first match of the tournament.

Daredevils won the toss and put the hosts in, believing in their ability to chase down totals. Their bowlers got them off to the perfect start with three crucial wickets, including those of Yuvraj Singh and Kumar Sangakkara inside the Quick start overs. They conceded just 44 runs in that period and got into a strong position early in the match. Mahela Jayawardena did not last long either, losing his wicket for a duck. Ravi Bopara and Irfan Pathan put together a well compiled 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket and brought Punjab back into the contest. But the game swung back in Daredevils’ favour as they picked up wickets at regular intervals in the middle of the innings, not allowing the hosts to get away in the Extreme Performance overs. Kings XI Punjab eventually finished with 142 for nine.

Delhi Daredevils suffered an early setback with Sreesanth picking up Virender Sehwag and Tillakaratne Dilshan in his very first over. Gautam Gambhir took up the leading role and brought stability to their innings. He shared a 35 run partnership with AB de Villiers for the third wicket before he was run out in a horrible mix-up. That was followed by another crucial 34 run partnership with Dinesh Karthik, who lost his wicket at a crucial stage. Mithun Manhas joined his skipper at that point and did well to support him by holding up one end as Gambhir went after the bowling. The duo put on 61 runs which nearly took Daredevils home. It went down to the last over but despite losing Gambhir, the visitors completed a comfortable win.

Gautam Gambhir was rightly adjudged Man of the Match for his 72 runs off just 54 balls in the Daredevils’ run chase.