IPL 2011

Deccan Chargers grinds Kochi Tuskers Kerala

Ishant Sharma announced his form to the world by picking up a five for in his first two overs as the Kochi Tuskers top order was left wobbling in search of a redemption that never really happened. Dale Steyn initiated things by dismissing Brendon McCullum in the first over, but from then on, it was all one man show. It appeared at one point that Kochi might get to the record of the lowest IPL score when it crumbled to 11-6 chasing Deccan’s 129-7.

Ishant’s previous best had only a maximum of two wickets in an IPL game. He nailed Gomez and Hodge with two in-cutters that kept low. Jayawardane was dismissed by a beauty that moved away and procured the outside edge.

Earlier it was Sangakkara who took the burden of rebuilding the innings after the Deccan were reduced to 20-3. R P Singh and Vinay Kumar were responsible for the initial damage that left the Kochi team tattering. White assisted Sangakkara through a major part of the innings which allowed them to post a decent score of 130.

Eventually Kochi was bowled out for 74, helping Deccan vacate the last spot on the points table for Delhi Daredevils. Ishant finished with a five-for while Steyn finished with figures 3-16. Ishant deservingly was adjudged man of the match ahead of Sangakkara.

Chennai Super Kings moves to second spot

Earlier in the day, the Chennai Super Kings secured its second consecutive win in four days as it bet the home team by eight wickets and moved to the second spot in the table. This is Yuvraj, the captain’s sixth IPL loss playing against Dhoni.

The host batting performance was punctuated by mistimed pull shots. Yuvraj Singh and Uthappa, both batting at positions lower than where they actually should, helped the team post a defendable if not match-winning total of 141. Yuvraj remained unbeaten on 62 from 43 balls which included 3 fours and 4 sixes.

Chennai started shakily as Michael Hussey was dismissed early but Subramaniam Badrinath showed some aggression blended with old age professionalism. Vijay (31) offered initial support to Badrinath and then was followed by Suresh Raina (34*)

With Badrinath and Raina in sublime touch, Chennai had little trouble staying in touch with the required rate. Raina scored two sixes in the same over towards the end of the game to ensure his stamp of authority. Badrinath was on the race for the orange cap and he was adjudged the player of the match for his 61 not out in 44 balls which included six fours and two sixes.

Tags: Chennai Super Kings, CSK, DC, Deccan Chargers, Indian Premier League, IPL, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, KTK, Pune Warriors India, PWI