Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Unbelievable knock from Sehwag keeps Delhi in the hunt

Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag singlehandedly demolished Deccan Chargers bowlers with a blistering century to guide his team to a four-wicket victory in an IPL match here today.
Chasing a stiff target of 176, Sehwag took the Chargers attack to the cleaners scoring 119 from only 56 balls with the help of 13 fours and five sixes as his teammates had little contribution in the winning cause.
With eight points, Daredevils stay in the hunt for Play-offs as it was curtains for Chargers who looked favourites till Sehwag struck like a tornado.
It was one of the most scintillating innings that one would have ever witnessed as Sehwag took it upon himself to accomplish what looked like Mission Impossible after Daredevils were reduced to 25 for three.
Image: Delhi Daredevils batsman Virender Sehwag, celebrates his fifty during an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, May 5, 2011.




Fortune favours the brave and Sehwag got a couple respite due to sloppy fielding from the home team that saw couple of catches being dropped. There couldn't have been a better birthday gift for his younger son than a blazing century.
Finally, when he was out in the 17th over, even the Chargers players came upto congratulate him.
Dale Styen in right earnest removing Aaron Finch (0) off the very second delivery while Ishant Sharma quickly removed Naman Ojha (7) and Venugopal Rao (3) to reduce Daredevils to 25 for three. But little did one know that what was in store after that.
Sehwag was unusually quiet during the first seven overs. It was inexperienced Ishan Malhotra who became an easy prey. The moment he was brought into the attack, Sehwag whipped him over fine leg for a six followed it up with another over mid-wicket. Then he hit consecutive boundaries through deep mid-wicket and straight past the bowler. 23 runs came off the eight over.
Image: Delhi Daredevils batsmen James Hopes, right, and Yogesh Nagar walk towards pavilion after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, May 5, 2011.




The next over from Daniel Christian saw Sehwag hit couple of more boundaries. When Amit Mishra was introduced, he launched into him to hit over long for a six. It brought up his 50 from 27 balls and also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in the ongoing tourney.
The very next delivery from Mishra saw Sehwag trying to hit over mid-wicket but the ball flew at a catchable height to Ankit Sharma at sweeper cover who bungled big time.
There was no end to Mishra's misery as in the next over Sehwag hit one straight to long-off which Ravi Teja not only spilled but also let it cross the boundary ropes as it brought up Delhi's 100.
From overs 8-12, Daredevils scored 75 runs in five overs as Sehwag butchered the bowlers. With no option left, Sangakkara brought on his best bowler Steyn who was slashed through point and then guided through the fine-leg region for two boundaries.
Image: Delhi Daredevils batsman Virender Sehwag, left, celebrates his hundred with Irfan Pathan during an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, May 5, 2011.






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