Kolkata Knights ride to third place
Fighting against heavy odds to grab their first win against a stronger Kolkata side, Deccan Chargers were not considered favorites by any means. But the team unfortunately couldn’t perform even to its not-so-high standards, robbing the viewers of another game which should have been a close one, if not a win. Yet, into the second innings, one could sense a desperation in the Chargers’ side to grab a win somehow, keeping KKR in the game until the last over.
That however, wasn’t good enough as KKR chasing an easy target of 127 runs managed a win in the last over. An out-of-form Cameron White returned to a Deccan Chargers side alongside J.P. Duminy in the middle order. The DC batting line-up broke down only putting up 126 on board for the bowlers to defend. The difficult task of defending a meager total was worsened by a poor display of fielding by the Chargers, which resulted in the good bowling performances going unrewarded as the side slumped to its fifth consecutive loss.
Star of the Day:
Shikhar Dhawan scored a half century to steady the Deccan Chargers’ innings. Beginning his innings aggressively, he had to slow down due to fall of wickets at the other end, and reached his half-century in 50 balls forming the back-bone of the innings.
As for the bowling, Brett Lee for KKR was definitely the best bowler conceding just 15 runs in his four overs.
Flop of the day:
Cameron White could only manage 10 runs off 9 balls in his brief stay at the creasein the Deccan Chargers’ innings. He hasn’t really been able to get going in this edition of the IPL, much to the dismay of the Chargers. Filling in his role in the middle order has been a problem this season, and a recurring one, that.
Contest of the day:
All-rounder Jacques Kallis looked destructive this season, and came against his South African team-mate Dale Steyn. One of the best all-rounders of the game against arguably the best fast bowler in cricket promised to be a mouthwatering contest and it lived up to the expectations. Dale Steyn sent Kallis back to the pavillion but it was the latter who had the last laugh as his side crossed the finish line with 5 wickets in hand.
Captain’s Critical call:
It would be difficult to name one particular reason behind the Chargers’ defeat but the game could have been much better. From the Chargers’ point of view, Sangakkara should have sent in Duminy before Cameron White instead of the other way round. White, who has not been in good form off late, came in the 12th over but didn’t stay long enough for the Chargers. Considering Duminy’s form, he would certainly have been a better choice coming in early.
Match-o-meter:
The game was one of the dull ones of this IPL with few big shots in what turned out to be a low scoring game. Lacking in entertainment, even the quality of cricket on display, barring Brett Lee and Dale Steyn’s bowling, was not up to the mark.
Team tallies:
KKR march on to the third place with this win, and are comfortably positioned to make it to the play-offs. They are going good at this stage of the season though they need to work on their consistency as they very nearly gave away the game.
DC meanwhile have been in poor form and their results have reflected the same. Five losses in five games means that the Hyderabad-based team find themselves struggling at the bottom of the table, yet to record a win in this edition. Chargers need a major improvement to finish anywhere in the top half of the table which looks very unlikely now.