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

In a clash between the under-performing units from Pune and Delhi, the proverbial wooden spoon must have been thinking: Oh well, might as well go to the capital. And that’s exactly what happened. The Daredevils were no match for a marauding set of Warriors. The Sahara franchise has been one of the consistent under-performers in the IPL so far, and they maintained their “good” run this season as well.

Here are some of the snapshots of today’s game from Pune:

Chand Out, Chipli In

Former RCB  and Team Hyderabad batsman Bharat Chipli replaced the U-19 wonder kid Unmukt Chand for today’s game. With only pride to play for, Chipli would have had added incentive to perform well for his side. Yet, his effort was barely enough for the Delhi side. Chipli has been rather inconsistent and inefficient with his fielding, as was noted by former Deccan Chargers coach Darren Lehmann. This year, Delhi suffered from his lapses – and that too in a game they should have taken seriously.

Warriors Click Together – Finally!

For once, the Pune Warriors played as a cohesive unit today. While the batting did its usual efficient job (Yuvraj and Manish Pandey being unable to score too much), the bowling and fielding too wore a professional look today. Everything finally clicked together for the beleaguered Sahara franchise, and they bowed out of IPL 2013 with their heads held high and a morale-boosting win under their belts.

Raiphi Gomez

Former Rajasthan Royals and Kochi Tuskers Kerala all-rounder Raiphi Gomez got his second game of this season’s IPL, which was the final league game for his side. He played his part to perfection, scoring the vital boundary which enabled PWI to post a 170-plus score. Raiphi is a good find for the Pune outfit, and will be a long-term asset for them if he is handled well.

Hurricane Wright Pounds DD Into Submission

With Yuvraj Singh dismissed cheaply and Angelo Mathews having just come in, England’s T20 specialist Luke Wright walked in and took charge of the proceedings for his side. He played the pull to perfection, scoring vital boundaries that helped to swell Pune’s total. SA pacer Morne Morkel bore the brunt of his initial onslaught, before seamer Umesh Yadav was taken to the cleaners by the young Englishman in the 19th over, making full use of the full tosses sent down by the Vidarbha bowler. In the field, he took a wonderful catch to remove rival skipper Jayawardene, thus winning the Man-of-the-Match award and helping his team to sign off in style!