Post Match Analysis

KXIP on the rise again BLOEMFONTEIN

MAY 15: Coming off the back of some close finishes and losses, KXIP boosted their semi-final chances with a strong win over the table leaders Delhi Daredevils. The 6-wicket win was set up by a fine bowling performance and some smart batting that saw KXIP return strongly into contention for a semi-final berth.

Choosing to field first after winning the toss, KXIP got off to a good start claiming both Delhi openers for just 20 runs. And by the time the strategy break came, DD was in a spot of bother at 50-odd for 4. Virender Sehwag (9) and Gautam Gambhir (8) failed to capitalize on a slow, but steady start and the in-form batsmen for DD – Tillekaratne Dilshan (10) and AB de Villiers (11) both failed for once.

With a collapse looming large, Mithun Manhas (26) and Dinesh Karthik (32) forged a solid partnership of 50 before the KXIP bowling took over once again. DD fell from 101/4 in the 16th over to 116/9 in the 20th. Their final score of 120 was way below par considering the position they were in with four overs left. At least 25 runs short, is what the DD captain said later.

The reason DD is on top of the charts is that their bowling and batting have been working together. And if one failed, they could expect the other to still get them through. And so it seemed would happen when they reduced KXIP to 35/3 in the 6th over. Simon Katich got off to a quick start but was the first to fall for 20. Soon after, Sunny Sohal’s uncertain time in the middle was over for a contribution of 3 off 12 balls and in the very next over, Luke Pommersbach’s IPL debut was cut short for just 9.

But with experience in the middle order, KXIP didn’t panic. Yuvraj Singh (18) played an uncharacteristically slow knock but he stayed with Kumar Sangakkara (43 not out) till the 16th over and when Yuvraj did fall, KXIP was within touching distance of their target needing just 33 runs off 25 balls. Irfan Pathan walked in to bat and relieved Sangakkara of some pressure with three big sixes. His 21 off 11 balls sealed the deal with almost an over to spare for KXIP.

This win will help KXIP in more ways than one. A win after some tough losses will bring renewed confidence into the camp and the margin will ensure that their NRR improves should it go down to that later next week.

KXIP’s next match is against the Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg on May 17.