Sehwag’s blitz destroys Deccan

Opener smashes whirlwind 119 to lead Delhi to a win in the IPL.

HYDERABAD:

Deccan Chargers would have thought 175 was a safe total.

But Virender Sehwag came true on his word as he struck the fourth century of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and destroyed Deccan’s hopes and led Delhi Daredevils to a four-wicket win.

The hard-hitting Indian batsman had earlier said that his performance would be key for Delhi’s chances in the tournament and it turned out to be true in Hyderabad as he struck a whirlwind 119, off just 56 deliveries, to seal his side’s fourth win in 10 matches.

While Sehwag got no support from his batsmen - the second highest score being James Hopes’ 17 - he got two reprieves after being dropped on 54 by Ankit Sharma before Ravi Teja let one slip when the opener was on 70.

That does not take away any credit from the right-hander, who saw Delhi being reduced to 25 for three, before adding 61 for the fourth wicket with Travis Birt.

Birt managed just four with Sehwag single-handedly leading the team to victory. Another 67-run partnership and Delhi were firmly in control. The fact that the match was a one-man show can be judged from the fact that when Sehwag was dismissed, caught off the bowling of fast-bowler Dale Steyn, he had contributed more than 76 per cent of the runs.

New-ball bowlers Steyn and Ishant Sharma claimed two wickets each and gave away 40 runs in eight overs but other bowlers struggled against Sehwag, who hit 13 fours and six maximums.

Earlier, contributions from captain Kumar Sangakkara (44) and JP Duminy (55) led Deccan to a competitive total which mattered little to Sehwag.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2011.