What an authentic way for Delhi Daredevils to finish off their league match by hitting a four and a six on consecutive balls by Amit Mishra when 10 runs were needed off the last 17 balls to scalp the game. Delhi generously contributed to Mumbai’s total by giving away extras which accounted for the opponents third top score amounting to 22 with 11 wides in it. They desperately needed some batting practice prior to the semi finals, it seemed. Their purpose has been solved but the way the extras have been added would certainly of concern for Sehwag. On the other end Mumbai too got something to cheer up as Rahane found his second IPL fifty and of late Harbhajan celebrated a four wicket haul.

Delhi dominated the chase with the opening duo of Warner and Gambhir scoring at an alarmingly fast pace snatching 36 runs from just 3.3 overs. Sehwag going down in batting order came as one down and he never looked a man desperately in search of form with a lightening fifty off just 26 deliveries, his fourth IPL fifty in fact. Gambhir too was no exemption with him falling just 3 run short of another fifty off Malinga. By the time those two dangerous batsmen went out of the crease just formalities were left to the end of the match in favour of Delhi. Harbhajan who got Dilshan (14 off 14) and Sehwag on consecutive deliveries, earned maximum in their not so relevant match by scalping de Villiers and Bhatia in his next over to complete a four wicket haul.

With the top order making things easier than run-a-ball, the middle order finished it off in an authoritarian way for Delhi as Amit Mishra scored a four and six on the second and third delivery of the 18th over to conclude it as 166 for 6. The way they reached the target would have increased the pulse rate of the other semi final aspirants of IPL 2009. Sehwag who was in a bid to get back on to his natural style earned the man of the match award for his groove less fifty and they can aim high in the semis with their batting line up regaining the confidence.

Tendulkar, Rahane and extras, t hat is all about Mumbai Indians innings after they had been sent to bat first. Tendulkar had a great batting figure in IPL Season 2 even though he could not captain his team to the last four. This time also he was in great touch with the veteran bat hitting 46 off 41 balls. Rahane with 56 off 41 balls took his team past 160 runs hitting 5 fours and two sixes. The match was of little significance as far as team standings in IPL is concerned as Mumbai had a slight chance of lifting it up to the sixth position if they could register a win. But with a loss they remained at seventh position only now and Delhi keep the top spot with 20 points.

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

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