They started the second season of the IPL as favourites, and have diligently stuck by that reputation, winning 7 out of 9 matches, and they have 14 points to their credit. Part of their success so far can be attributed to the fact that, they are undeniably the most balanced team in the IPL. They are exceptional in both their batting and bowling departments, and settled in with all their winning combinations very early in the tournament. With Gambhir and Sehwag cementing the top order and AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan in the middle, Delhi’s batting line-up may as well be considered impenetrable. What completes the circle is the presence of bowlers like Dirk Nannes, Daniel Vettori, Ashish Nehra and Glen McGrath who have systematically torn down their opponents so far.

McGrath is confident that his team will make it to the semis. But he does believe that the Deccan Chargers are challenging opponents: “Deccan Chargers have been the comeback kids this time. Adam Gilchrist has always been an exceptionally gifted player and leader, and he has been handling the local players really well this time round.”

The Deccan Chargers haven’t been too far behind, with 12 points to their credit. But they won’t forget their 6 wicket defeat against Delhi in their last encounter too easily. It was a match that not only ended their winning spree, but led them to 3 consecutive defeats hence. But Gilchrist and his hungry hunters are out to get their prey this time. But Monday night’s victory against the Rajasthan Royals has restored some of their confidence, and Gilchrist hopes their bowlers (RP Singh, Chaminda Vaas, Pragyan Ojha) will recreate the same magic against Delhi. And with Dwayne Smith, Gilchrist, Symonds and Rohit Sharma (who has also been unbelievably successful with the ball), they have a very strong batting line-up.

Meanwhile Shane Warne, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, is still smarting from the loss. They are currently on the fourth spot and need 3 more wins for a semifinal berth, and Warne promises to bounce back: Surprisingly, so many things failed today. Fielding was our strength but we did not do well in that department also. It was one of the matches our plans did not materialize.

“We have to learn the hard way and win the remaining three matches to be in the semifinals. We are a quality side and we can win the three matches. We will bounce back.”

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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