Pune: Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan (3/20) showed great experience to lead Delhi Daredevils (DD) bowling to help his side register a huge 97-run victory over Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) here, Tuesday.
Zaheer as he is called ‘Sultan of swing’, bagged important wickets of the RPS openers Ajinkya Rahane (10), who was leading the side in place of regular skipper Steve Smith, and Mayank Agarwal (20, 18b, 2×4) who was yet to showcase his mettle. Later leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3/11) got some bite from the pitch and dismissed the middle-order.
It was however a totally lop-sided affair with both the bowling and batting departments doing their jobs perfectly for the Delhi outfit.
RPS were never on the massive 206-run chase and lost wickets at regular intervals. None of the batsmen managed to get going and the Delhi fielding also helped the bowlers outwit the hosts.
Earlier, Kerala youngster Sanju Samson’s (102, 63b, 8×4, 5×6) maiden T20 century helped DD post a mammoth 205 for four. South African all-rounder Chris Morris (38 n o, 9b, 4×4, 3×6) then added the late order fireworks in the final two overs to help Delhi go past 200.
Put in to bat, Daredevils were once again off to a poor start losing opener Aditya Tare. Sam Billings (24, 17b, 4×4) and Samson resurrected the innings with a 69-run second wicket stand before South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir (1/24) dismissed Billings.
Samson then partnered hero of their last match Rishabh Pant (31, 22b, 1×4, 2×6) to add 53 runs for the third wicket before Pant’s resistance was cut short by a brilliant direct hit by Mayank from point.
Thereafter, it was a one-man-show from the Kerala youngster, who reached his maiden century with a massive hit before being dismissed the next ball by Adam Zampa (1/45). Morris then gave an unexpected finish to the Delhi innings.
Agencies
