Hussey, bowlers demolish listless Delhi Daredevils

Chennai Super Kings 169 for 4 (Hussey 65*, Dhoni 44) beat Delhi Daredevils 83 (Mohit Sharma 3-10, Ashwin 2-18) by 86 runs

Not many would have expected this kind of performance from the Delhi Daredevils, given the batting line-up they possess. They have two explosive openers Warner and Sehwag, and Jayewardene at No.3, who are completely out of form. Chasing 170 runs on a slow wicket, Warner and Sehwag were required to provide a good start for the Daredevils. With the departure of Warner (1) and Juneja (2) in quick succession, Jayewardene was required to put in a big performance.

Sehwag looked in good rhythm as he struck a glorious six over deep midwicket off Albie Morkel in the first over. He and Jayewardene were the last recognized pair for the Daredevils as the middle order is inexperienced. Cleverly, Chennai Super Kings rattled the Delhi’s top-order to put them under pressure in a stiff chase. Jayewardene was unfortunately lbw for 6, and Sehwag soon followed Jayewardene for 17, leaving Daredevils reeling at 30/4.

Chennai Super Kings bowlers maintained a tight line and length as they did not give enough room for the Daredevils batsman. Young fast bowler Mohit Sharma grabbed three important wickets in his first spell to put Chennai Super Kings on top. He uprooted Warner’s off-stump in his first over and soon followed with the wickets of Juneja and Sehwag in quick succession.

Chennai Super Kings spinners Jadeja and Ashwin maintained the pressure on the Daredevils inexperienced middle order. The wicket was a bit on the slower-side and it was not a typical Delhi wicket. Ashwin and Jadeja varied their pace beautifully and consequently, Daredevils batsman found it extremely difficult to accelerate. Ashwin picked up couple of wickets, while Jadeja settled for one apiece.

Chennai Super Kings had a brilliant day in the field as they inflicted a run-out. Also, they were athletic in the field as they saved many boundaries.

It was a stiff task for the Daredevils as the wicket was on the slower-side. They did not have a good day in the field as they dropped couple of catches. Irfan Pathan was superb in his second spell as he varied his pace smartly and kept the check on Hussey. Hussey and Raina found it difficult to accelerate from the 10th over, as the ball was skidding on from the surface.

A cool and collected Hussey, together with MS Dhoni took the Super Kings score to 169 runs that could be defended by their bowlers. Hussey played brilliantly and batted right through the innings. MS Dhoni clobbered 44 off 23 balls to take the Super Kings score past 150-odd runs.

Yet again, Vijay and Raina couldn’t convert their start into a meaningful innings. Vijay was unlucky to given out lbw for 18, while Suresh Raina was dismissed by Irfan Pathan for an elegant 30. Dhoni took the responsibility and clobbered the Daredevils bowlers all over the park thereafter.

Delhi Daredevils bowlers were not spot on with their length as they bowled too many lose deliveries, which Dhoni cashed in on. They also bowled too many length balls to Dhoni towards the end of the innings, which Dhoni managed to clear the fence.

Chennai Super Kings play their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 20, while Daredevils play their next game against Mumbai Indians on April 21.