Just when the contest seemed to be following the script seen in 14 out of the first 16 matches in IPL-9, there was a dramatic twist to the tale.
Mumbai Indians, looking good to chase down 165, lost the plot between the 13th and 17th overs and left Delhi Daredevils celebrating a sensational 10-run victory at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground on Saturday.
After 12 overs, Mumbai was 98 for two and needed 67 runs off 48 deliveries. But only 25 runs came off the following five overs, bowled by Zaheer Khan (6 runs), Chris Morris (5), Amit Mishra (5), Imran Tahir (4) and again Amit Mishra (5) and Mumbai suddenly found itself up against the wall.
Even after Morris conceded 10 runs off the 18th over, Mumbai needed 32 runs to win off two overs.
In the 19th over, Zaheer gave away 11, including a six to Kieron Pollard, but more importantly, had the danger-man caught with his last delivery.
Crucial run out
In the final over, Morris was required to defend 21. Rohit carted the second delivery for a six but off the following, was run out after colliding with Hardik Pandya while attempting a second run.
Harbhajan Singh fell leg-before and Morris conceded only singles off the last two deliveries to stifle Mumbai at the threshold of victory.
It was indeed a sensational victory for the host. At one stage, before Rohit reached his third half-century of the season, Mumbai looked well in control with Ambati Rayudu and Krunal Pandya providing the early momentum needed for the chase.
Looking back, Daredevils’ ploy of playing two leg-spinners — Mishra and Tahir — paid off as the two conceded only 53 runs in their eight overs and bowled 15 dot balls!
Excerpts taken from The Hindu
Written by Rakesh Rao
Just when the contest seemed to be following the script seen in 14 out of the first 16 matches in IPL-9, there was a dramatic twist to the tale.
Mumbai Indians, looking good to chase down 165, lost the plot between the 13th and 17th overs and left Delhi Daredevils celebrating a sensational 10-run victory at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground on Saturday.
After 12 overs, Mumbai was 98 for two and needed 67 runs off 48 deliveries. But only 25 runs came off the following five overs, bowled by Zaheer Khan (6 runs), Chris Morris (5), Amit Mishra (5), Imran Tahir (4) and again Amit Mishra (5) and Mumbai suddenly found itself up against the wall.
Even after Morris conceded 10 runs off the 18th over, Mumbai needed 32 runs to win off two overs.
In the 19th over, Zaheer gave away 11, including a six to Kieron Pollard, but more importantly, had the danger-man caught with his last delivery.
Crucial run out
In the final over, Morris was required to defend 21. Rohit carted the second delivery for a six but off the following, was run out after colliding with Hardik Pandya while attempting a second run.
Harbhajan Singh fell leg-before and Morris conceded only singles off the last two deliveries to stifle Mumbai at the threshold of victory.
It was indeed a sensational victory for the host. At one stage, before Rohit reached his third half-century of the season, Mumbai looked well in control with Ambati Rayudu and Krunal Pandya providing the early momentum needed for the chase.
Looking back, Daredevils’ ploy of playing two leg-spinners — Mishra and Tahir — paid off as the two conceded only 53 runs in their eight overs and bowled 15 dot balls!
Excerpts taken from The Hindu
Written by Rakesh Rao
