RCB beat DD by 15 runs

Kedar Jadhav and Shane Watson starred as Royal Challengers Bangalore got off the mark in the Indian Premier League with a 15-run win over Delhi Daredevils on Saturday. The final over by Pawan Negi sent back Pant and Shahbaz Nadeem to pavilion which led RCB to a last gasp victory.

The Delhi Daredevils has several world-class quick bowlers and all-rounders, but the injury to Quinton de Kock, who has been ruled out of the entire season, and Shreyas Iyer’s illness, has resulted in weakening of batting resources. Jadhav’s effect could be seen in his contribution of 47 in his team’s highest partnership of 66 – alongside Stuart Binny, who contributed only 16. Both were similar type of knocks and both came under pressure.

On Sunday, Sunrisers Hyderabad meets Gujarat Lions in Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians hosts Kolkata Knight Riders.

It was because of the same confidence that Watson chose to open the innings alongside Chris Gayle. “Chahal has done it for RCB for a long time, he has done it for India as well”. The wicket was a bit on the drier side and that was one of the reasons (why) 157 was gettable.

Jadhav is a different batsman after his innings in the England ODI series earlier this year, and that confidence flowed right through again, with the right-hander playing some outstanding shots, including a six over extra cover that had the jaws dropping.

With skipper Zaheer Khan fit and raring to bowl, the Daredevils are counting on its ace spinner Amit Mishra and pacer Mohammed Shami to lead the bowling attack. The diminutive batsman scored a boundary and a six off the next over to reach his half-century in just 26 deliveries.

For Delhi, Morris took three wickets for 21 runs while Zaheer grabbed two wickets from 31 as Delhi bowlers produced a disciplined show.

Bill Stanlake replaced Travis Head, Iqbal Abdulla replaced Sreenath Arvind, Pawan Negi replaced Aniket Chowdhary and Vishnu Vinod replaced Sachin Baby.

Delhi, too had their story of struggle in their innings.

In reply, Aditya Tare put on 33 for the first wicket with Billings (25 off 19) before losing his off-stump to Mills’ fourth delivery.

Pant and Sam Billings are expected to open with local boy Karun Nair taking the number 3 position.

The runs dried up thereafter and Chris Morris picked up two wickets in the final over as the home side ended on 157/8.

In a match which kept oscillating from end to another, it was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who retained their composure to emerge on top by 15 runs.

Pant smashed three fours and four sixes, but wickets tumbled around him.