Mohali edge out Delhi by D/L method
Posted on May 17, 2008 at 19:50 | Updated May 18, 2008 at 17:17
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Tags: cricket, delhi, punjab
New Delhi: It was almost like the weather gods had conspired against Delhi as rain ensured Mohali their semi-final berth with Yuvraj Singh's men beating the home team by six runs on the Duckworth Lewis method at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground here on Saturday.
First, the Delhi innings was going great guns when rain broke down their momentum and a last ball six followed by abrupt rain during Mohali's run-chase ended matters on a somber note for Virender Sehwag's team, whose bid for a semi-final has now been severely jolted.
Chasing 119 in 11 overs, Mohali were 94-3 in eight overs when rain forced play to end, giving them their seventh win in the tournament. The win makes Mohali's place in the last four almost certain.
The heroes for Mohali were Mahela Jayawardene (36 off 17 balls) and Luke Pomersbach (25 off 12 balls) who put on an unbroken 63-run stand in just 27 balls. From a precarious, position the duo launched a brilliant counter-attack that toppled Delhi, who at one stage had the game in their grasp.
With Mohali requiring 29 runs in three overs, Jayawardene's six off Rajat Bhatia on the ball before it started pouring ended up as the decisive factor as it made sure that Mohali were ahead on the Duckworth Lewis method by as many runs.
After their skipper and Gautam Gambhir piled up the runs, Delhi started out well with the ball as they did with the bat. Glenn McGrath was at his accurate best, giving away only 18 runs in his two overs. After the dangerous Shaun Marsh (two) perished, Yuvraj Singh smashed a few lusty blows in his eight-ball 23 to give the much needed impetus to the run-chase.
And just when the Mohali skipper was all set to take the game away from Delhi, Farveez Maharoof took a brilliant catch in the deep to send back Yuvraj.
Delhi at that point of time were looking comfortably placed with Mohali needing more than 11 runs per over. But then Sehwag brought himself into the attack and that changed the entire complexion of the game. Jayawardene and Pomersbach took the off-spinner for 22 runs and swung back the match in their favour. A few more lusty blows from their willows followed and Mohali were ahead.
Delhi's innings was interrupted by rain and what began as a brilliant attack by the openers lost momentum. Sehwag led from the front and after two consecutive ducks in the tournament he was at his destructive best. Gautam Gambhir was in his element once again as the leading run scorer of the IPL bludgeoned 40 runs off just 28 balls.
Rain interrupted play when Delhi were galloping along at 94-1 in 8.1 overs. After a long delay, the game resumed ultimately and Delhi ended at 118-4 in the 11-overs-a-side affair, with Sehwag contributing a blazing 51 not out.
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