Mumbai Indians stormed to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils, courtesy the brilliance of fast-bowler Lasith Malinga, who finished with a five-wicket haul.
Chasing a below-par total of 96, Mumbai’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost opener David Jacobs with just one run on the board, being bowled by Morne Morkel (one for 29).
A second-wicket partnership of 30 between captain Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayadu (14) was broken when the latter was run out.
However, that proved to be the last success for Delhi as Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma (27) got together to take Mumbai past the finish line. Tendulkar’s top-score of 46 was laced with three hits to the fence.
Earlier, electing to bat first, Delhi were completely rolled over by Sri Lanka star Malinga’s lethal bowling that yielded figures of five for 13. Opener David Warner was the first of the Sri Lankan’s victims as he was bowled in the second over of the match. Two balls later Malinga removed Unmukt Chand, leaving Delhi in dire straits.
A fifth-wicket partnership of 42 between Naman Ojha (29) and Venugopal Rao (26) provided the hosts with some respite before Malinga returned to finish off the innings for a paltry 95.
Bangalore ease to
comfortable victory
AB de Villiers of South Africa smashed 54 of just 40 balls as Royal Challengers Bangalore cruised to an easy six-wicket victory over Indian Premier League debutants Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
Chasing 162, Bangalore got off to a shaky start, losing in-form Sri Lankan batsman Tillekaratne Dilshan for just one.
A second-wicket partnership of 41 between Virat Kohli (23) and Mayank Agarwal (33) provided the visitors with stability before De Villiers entered the fray to land the decisive blow.
His innings included one boundary and five sixes as Bangalore eased to victory.
Earlier, electing to bat, Kochi were off to a brilliant start with Brendon McCullum (45) and VVS Laxman (36) putting on a stand of 80 in just nine overs. Useful contributions from the middle-order propelled the hosts to a competitive 160. Kohli ended with one for 14, while captain Daniel Vettori claimed one for 17.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2011.
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