Bangalore Royal Challengers cruised to a nine-wicket win over Kochi Tuskers Kerala courtesy blistering knocks by Tillekaratne Dilshan and Chris Gayle.
The openers put on 67 runs in only 3.5 overs, making a mockery of Kochi’s modest 126-run target. Gayle (44), took an improbable 37 runs off Prasanth Parameswaran’s over, the hapless fast-bowler conceding four maximums and three boundaries, as well as a no-ball. Dilshan hit a 31-ball 52. Vinay Kumar was the lone wicket-taker for Kochi.
Earlier, the visitors wasted a decent start from openers Brendan McCullum (22) and Michael Klinger (24), who had put on 43 for the opening stand. Their departure triggered a batting collapse. Sreenath Aravind led with some superb bowling taking two wickets for the hosts.
Mumbai outplay Delhi
Ambati Rayudu’s quick fire half-century and a highly professional bowling display helped Mumbai Indians to a comfortable 32-run win over Delhi Daredevils.
Delhi got off to a disastrous start chasing Mumbai’s 179, losing David Warner early to Harbhajan Singh (two for 24). Captain Virender Sehwag was next to follow as the visitors were soon reduced to seven for four and were only saved blushes through an 87-run fifth-wicket partnership between Venugopal Rao and James Hopes. Hopes top-scored with 55,while Lasith Malinga was the most successful bowler taking two for 18.
Earlier, Aiden Blizzard (37) got the hosts off to a rollicking start, and there were more fireworks to follow from Rayudu and Rohit Sharma (49) as the pair put on 87 runs for the fourth wicket. Rayudu hit seven fours and two maximums in his 39-ball 59. Irfan Pathan was the pick of the bowlers returning figures of one for 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2011.
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