IPL 6: KXIP v/s DD - The Quick Flicks

Dharamsala is a wonderful place to be in during the sweltering hot Indian summer. Its picturesque surroundings make for an engaging, peaceful experience for everyone. Unfortunately for the Delhi Daredevils, even a change of scenery did little to arrest their sliding fortunes. The revived Kings XI Punjab secured a thrilling seven-run win tonight, keeping their play-off hopes alive. Here are some of the snapshots for today’s game:

Brisk start for Punjab

Aussie openers Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh went about dismantling Delhi’s bowling attack in their neat, precise manner. Their 60-run stand for the first wicket was laced with both the big shots as well as terrific placement and athletic running between the wickets. Age is no bar for the former Aussie wicket-keeper – he seems to have regained his touch of old. Marsh, too, looked extremely confident in his innings; a clear indication that Punjab are a side not to be taken lightly.

Miller turns it on

A flurry of wickets and Punjab were in a spot of bother, but SA import David Miller allayed all their fears with a defiant innings. All the shots were back and in full display at Dharamsala as the 23-year old plundered runs at will, swelling Punjab’s total. He has truly a great find for the side.

Gautam in for Jadhav

Misfiring DD wicket-keeper Kedar Jadhav finally received his marching orders as M Gautam made his first appearance for the side in this season. It did nothing to reverse Delhi’s sagging fortunes as the side still ended up losing. However, the young wicket-keeper kept his side in the hunt with two boundaries in the dying overs, and it still wasn’t enough.

Sehwag at No.5

Very surprisingly, Virender Sehwag was sent in at No.5 tonight. It turned out to be another one of Jayawardene’s flawed strategies. Sehwag is better suited at the top of the order where he has played most of his cricket. He still scored 30 tonight, but couldn’t last long enough to steer his side to a win. When you’re on a losing streak, your thinking becomes stunted, and this is exactly what DD suffered from tonight.

Preity Zinta would be a happy owner tonight – her franchise is still in with a chance of making it to the playoff stages. As for Delhi, they will have just pride to play for now, and should look to snap their long-running winless streak much like fellow laggards Pune Warriors did the other night. Post the IPL, however, a long-term revamp is in order for the Daredevils.