<p>Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win.</p>

<p>But in IPL, it will be Karthik&#39;s consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660" target="_blank"> IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik&rsquo;s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir&rsquo;s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench.</p>

<p>But overall, the side is strong on spin</p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
Sunil Narine (12.5 cr)<br />
Andre Russell (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L)</p>

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<p>Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter)</p>
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His splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy ended all the speculations

Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability. His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win. But in IPL, it will be Karthik's consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on. The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik's leadership. During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team. Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively. Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup. The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department. The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on. After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal. Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side. Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik’s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament. Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir’s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages. Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain. Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them. Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench. But overall, the side is strong on spin Retained: Sunil Narine (12.5 cr) Andre Russell (8.5 cr) Purchased: Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L) Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders'

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>The world&rsquo;s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, &#39;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&#39;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><em>Here is the video:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> with - <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiDaredevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiDaredevils</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> <a href="https://t.co/FeOmCMd1v0">pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0</a></p>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/973224897659813888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>But do you remember the first theme of IPL?</p>

<p>If not then let&#39;s relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories.</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2008: &quot;Cricket ka Karamrayudh&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2009: &quot;Ek Desh Ek Junun&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2010: &quot;Manoranjan ka Baap&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2011: &quot;Bharath Band&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2012: &quot;Yeh IPL hai boss&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2013: &quot;Koi Nahi Bachega!!!&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2014: &quot;Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2015: &quot;India Ka Tyohaar&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2016: &quot;PISTAH&quot;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>IPL 2017: &quot;Va Re Va Cricket&quot;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


If not then let's relive through all the ten themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. The world’s most prestigious and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament is already becoming popular due to its latest anthem song, 'Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...' The theme of IPL 2018 is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. Here is the video: Iss IPL ka yaaron kya kehna! ❤️#VIVOIPL with - @ChennaiIPL @DelhiDaredevils @lionsdenkxip @KKRiders @mipaltan @rajasthanroyals @RCBTweets @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/FeOmCMd1v0 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 12, 2018 × The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" But do you remember the first theme of IPL? If not then let's relive through all the ten very popular and nostalgic themes of IPL since 2008 that have given us so many memories. IPL 2008: "Cricket ka Karamrayudh" × IPL 2009: "Ek Desh Ek Junun" × IPL 2010: "Manoranjan ka Baap" × IPL 2011: "Bharath Band" × IPL 2012: "Yeh IPL hai boss" × IPL 2013: "Koi Nahi Bachega!!!" × IPL 2014: "Come On Bulaava Aaya Hai" × IPL 2015: "India Ka Tyohaar" × IPL 2016: "PISTAH" × IPL 2017: "Va Re Va Cricket" ×

IPL 2018: Here's a look back at the league's previous themes

<p>The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which&nbsp;marked their return after a two-year ban.</p>

<p>On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, &quot;Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The wait is finally over! The much anticipated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestvsBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestvsBest</a>! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! <a href="https://t.co/MgpvoJVjYC">pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC</a></p>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/973204655256756226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The lyrics of the anthem is, &quot;Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka...&quot; is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning &quot;#bestvsbest&quot;</p>

<p>The original song is from the movie &#39;Naya Daur&#39; which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.</p>

<p>The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics.</p>

<p>Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans.</p>

<p><em>Watch the original song:</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans

The 11th edition of Indian Premier League is set to start from April 7, 2018, with a glitzy opening ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The first match will be played here only between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which marked their return after a two-year ban. On Monday, IPL has launched their anthem song which is based on the tune of an iconic song, "Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." Watch the video here: The wait is finally over! The much anticipated #VIVOIPL 2018 anthem is here, heralding the face-off of the #BestvsBest! Is khel ka yaaron kya kehna! pic.twitter.com/MgpvoJVjYC — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 12, 2018 × The lyrics of the anthem is, "Ye Khel Hai Sher Jawano Ka Albelo Ka Mastano Ka..." is sung by music director Raajeev V Bhalla and vocalist Siddharth Basrur. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list The video of the anthem has many happy moments of previous IPL seasons and it is campaigning "#bestvsbest" The original song is from the movie 'Naya Daur' which was released in 1957. The song was sung by a singing stalwart, Mohammad Rafi and was pictured on veteran actor Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. The beats of this song are very energetic and do have dance-inducing lyrics. Apart from being the favourite wedding dance, this tune will now become the heartbeat of IPL fans. Watch the original song: ×

2018 IPL anthem: 'Ye khel hai sher jawano ka albelo ka mastano ka...'

<p>Former Kolkata Knightriders skipper Gautam Gambhir, 36, was today appointed as the captain of rival Delhi Daredevils team in the Indian Premier League(IPL) due to begin next month.</p>

<p>Gambhir who led Kolkata Knight&nbsp;Riders(KKR) to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 was brought over by his former team Delhi Daredevils for 2.8 crore during the latest auction.</p>

<p>A Delhi player, Gambhir played for his home state in the first few IPL season before being brought over an appointed captain of Shah Rukh Khan-led Kolkata Knightriders.</p>

<p>However, KKR did not bid for Gambhir in the latest auction allowing Delhi to lap him up even though he was KKR&#39;s leading run-getter in the IPL.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A Delhi player, Gambhir played for his home state in the first few IPL season

Former Kolkata Knightriders skipper Gautam Gambhir, 36, was today appointed as the captain of rival Delhi Daredevils team in the Indian Premier League(IPL) due to begin next month. Gambhir who led Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 was brought over by his former team Delhi Daredevils for 2.8 crore during the latest auction. A Delhi player, Gambhir played for his home state in the first few IPL season before being brought over an appointed captain of Shah Rukh Khan-led Kolkata Knightriders. However, KKR did not bid for Gambhir in the latest auction allowing Delhi to lap him up even though he was KKR's leading run-getter in the IPL.

IPL: Gautam Gambhir appointed Delhi Daredevils captain

<p>Young Rishabh Pant produced a sensational 43-ball 97 to guide Delhi Daredevils to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Gujarat Lions to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive, here today.<br />
<br />
The 19-year-old Pant butchered the Lions bowling attack with some power hitting, blasting six fours and nine sixes in his match-winning innings.<br />
<br />
The wicket-keeper batsman from Uttarakhand forged a 143-run partnership off 63 balls for the second wicket with Sanju Samson (61 off 31 balls) to take Daredevils on the threshold of victory.<br />
<br />
After they departed, Shreyas Iyer (14) and Corey Anderson (18) took Delhi home with 15 balls to spare to ignite hopes of grabbing a berth at the IPL play-off.<br />
<br />
Earlier, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik smashed scintillating half-centuries to power Gujarat Lions to an imposing 208-7 at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium here.<br />
<br />
Skipper Raina led from the front with a 43-ball 77, studded withn five boundaries and four sixes, while Karthik blasted 5 fours and 5 sixes in his 34-ball 65-run innings after invited to bat.</p>

<p>Raina and Karthik shared a 133-run stand for the third wicket in 72 balls to resurrect their team after being reduced to 10-2 in 1.2 overs early on.<br />
<br />
For Delhi, Kagiso Rabada (2/28) and Pat Cummings (2/30) took two wickets, while Corey Anderson (1/22) snapped one to contribute for their team.</p>

<p>Delhi are now placed at the sixth place in points table with eight points, while Gujarat are out of reckoning after suffering another defeat. They are now at the seventh spot with six points with three more matches to go in their IPL campaign.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)</p>


The 19-year-old butchered the Lions' bowling attack with some power hitting, producing a sensational 43-ball 97 runs

Young Rishabh Pant produced a sensational 43-ball 97 to guide Delhi Daredevils to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Gujarat Lions to keep their IPL play-off hopes alive, here today. The 19-year-old Pant butchered the Lions bowling attack with some power hitting, blasting six fours and nine sixes in his match-winning innings. The wicket-keeper batsman from Uttarakhand forged a 143-run partnership off 63 balls for the second wicket with Sanju Samson (61 off 31 balls) to take Daredevils on the threshold of victory. After they departed, Shreyas Iyer (14) and Corey Anderson (18) took Delhi home with 15 balls to spare to ignite hopes of grabbing a berth at the IPL play-off. Earlier, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik smashed scintillating half-centuries to power Gujarat Lions to an imposing 208-7 at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium here. Skipper Raina led from the front with a 43-ball 77, studded withn five boundaries and four sixes, while Karthik blasted 5 fours and 5 sixes in his 34-ball 65-run innings after invited to bat. Raina and Karthik shared a 133-run stand for the third wicket in 72 balls to resurrect their team after being reduced to 10-2 in 1.2 overs early on. For Delhi, Kagiso Rabada (2/28) and Pat Cummings (2/30) took two wickets, while Corey Anderson (1/22) snapped one to contribute for their team. Delhi are now placed at the sixth place in points table with eight points, while Gujarat are out of reckoning after suffering another defeat. They are now at the seventh spot with six points with three more matches to go in their IPL campaign. (PTI)

IPL: Rishabh Pant guides Delhi Daredevils to seven-wicket win over Gujarat Lions

<p>Delhi Daredevils snapped their five-match losing streak with a comfortable six wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and mathematically remained in the race for the IPL play-offs here tonight.</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh scored a timely 70, his second half-century of the season, and raised a 93-run stand with Moises Henriques (25) to lead the visitors to a challenging 185 for three after being asked to bat.</p>

<p>The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, then came up with an inspiring collective batting show to stun the defending champions with five balls to spare.</p>

<p>Each and every Delhi batsman, who took strike, contributed in the win. The openers Karun Nair (39) and Sanju Samson (24) scored 40 runs in first four overs to provide a decent start and the batsmen who followed them<br />
built on the momentum.</p>

<p>Rishabh Pant (34) and Shreyas Iyer (33) batted with dogged determination to ensure that the required run-rate never go out of hands.</p>

<p>Nair was dropped on 20 by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the Daredevils stand-in captain could not make full use of the life and was dismissed by Siddarth Kaul.</p>

<p>Runs came at a good pace for the hosts with young batsmen batting sensibly. They needed 61 from last seven overs and with Anderson and Iyer at the crease, it was not a big task. However, Iyer was dismissed by<br />
Bhuvneshwar.</p>

<p>Since the Delhi batsmen lost wickets after getting their eyes in, it kept Sunrisers&#39; hopes alive but gradually the required run rate dropped and Corey Anderson (41 not out) finished the match in company of Chris Morris (15 not out).</p>

<p>With this win, which is their third, Daredevils lifted themselves to the sixth spot from the earlier bottom place with five more matches to play while Sunrisers remained on third spot with 13 points.</p>

<p>Incidentally, Daredevils&#39; last win had come at this very ground against Kings XI Punjab.</p>

<p>SRH were off to a flying to start through skipper David Warner (30) and Shikhar Dhawan (28) but Delhi spin duo of Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav managed to choke the defending champions in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson dropped Yuvraj on 29 and the dashing left-hander exploited it to get some crucial runs for his side. After making 62 against RCB in his first match, he was struggling for runs and found touch when the team needed.</p>

<p>He took some time to settle down on a slow pitch but gradually stroked the ball nicely. His 70 came off 41 balls with 11 fours and a six.</p>

<p>In the last three overs, Sunrisers collected 52 runs with Kagiso Rabada leaking 39 runs in 18th and 20th overs. Earlier, Mishra played a crucial role in choking the Hyderabad batsmen as he gave away only 23 runs in his four overs and also got rid of Dhawan.</p>

<p>Jayant Yadav, included in place of Shahbaz Nadeem, also did a great job by conceding only 26 runs in his four overs.</p>

<p>Warner began from where he left against KKR, striking the ball confidently. He found boundaries off Yadav and Rabada with remarkable ease.</p>

<p>Dhawan also was in tremendous touch as he creamed off two fours and a six off Chris Morris. The SRH openers were never troubled by the home bowlers. Warner smashed one from Mohammed Shami to mid-wicket boundary to raise the team&#39;s fifty.</p>

<p>However, Shami took revenge in the next ball with a well- placed yorker that uprooted Warner&#39;s off stump. Mishra has not bowled during Power Play overs this season and the trend continued. He bowled the ninth over and struck in second ball as Dhawan top-edged the googly to Shreyas Iyer, who covered good distance to take the catch.</p>

<p>The two wickets affected the run flow but the visitors still put on board 83 at half-way mark as Kane Williamson (24) found a few boundaries.</p>

<p>Tight overs by Morris, Mishra and Yadav, created pressure and Williamson, trying to break free, went for a pull off Shami bouncer but only top-edged it to Morris.</p>

<p>There was gap of 15 balls when no boundary was struck. Yuvraj finally found one off Shami and it raised the team&#39;s 100 in 13.2 overs.</p>

<p>Runs were still tough to come by for SRH with Yuvraj and Henriques managing only singles and doubles. Yuvraj though changed the script after being dropped.<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, came up with an inspiring collective batting show

Delhi Daredevils snapped their five-match losing streak with a comfortable six wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and mathematically remained in the race for the IPL play-offs here tonight. Yuvraj Singh scored a timely 70, his second half-century of the season, and raised a 93-run stand with Moises Henriques (25) to lead the visitors to a challenging 185 for three after being asked to bat. The hosts, who have been enduring a tough season with one defeat after another, then came up with an inspiring collective batting show to stun the defending champions with five balls to spare. Each and every Delhi batsman, who took strike, contributed in the win. The openers Karun Nair (39) and Sanju Samson (24) scored 40 runs in first four overs to provide a decent start and the batsmen who followed them built on the momentum. Rishabh Pant (34) and Shreyas Iyer (33) batted with dogged determination to ensure that the required run-rate never go out of hands. Nair was dropped on 20 by Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the Daredevils stand-in captain could not make full use of the life and was dismissed by Siddarth Kaul. Runs came at a good pace for the hosts with young batsmen batting sensibly. They needed 61 from last seven overs and with Anderson and Iyer at the crease, it was not a big task. However, Iyer was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar. Since the Delhi batsmen lost wickets after getting their eyes in, it kept Sunrisers' hopes alive but gradually the required run rate dropped and Corey Anderson (41 not out) finished the match in company of Chris Morris (15 not out). With this win, which is their third, Daredevils lifted themselves to the sixth spot from the earlier bottom place with five more matches to play while Sunrisers remained on third spot with 13 points. Incidentally, Daredevils' last win had come at this very ground against Kings XI Punjab. SRH were off to a flying to start through skipper David Warner (30) and Shikhar Dhawan (28) but Delhi spin duo of Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav managed to choke the defending champions in the middle overs. Sanju Samson dropped Yuvraj on 29 and the dashing left-hander exploited it to get some crucial runs for his side. After making 62 against RCB in his first match, he was struggling for runs and found touch when the team needed. He took some time to settle down on a slow pitch but gradually stroked the ball nicely. His 70 came off 41 balls with 11 fours and a six. In the last three overs, Sunrisers collected 52 runs with Kagiso Rabada leaking 39 runs in 18th and 20th overs. Earlier, Mishra played a crucial role in choking the Hyderabad batsmen as he gave away only 23 runs in his four overs and also got rid of Dhawan. Jayant Yadav, included in place of Shahbaz Nadeem, also did a great job by conceding only 26 runs in his four overs. Warner began from where he left against KKR, striking the ball confidently. He found boundaries off Yadav and Rabada with remarkable ease. Dhawan also was in tremendous touch as he creamed off two fours and a six off Chris Morris. The SRH openers were never troubled by the home bowlers. Warner smashed one from Mohammed Shami to mid-wicket boundary to raise the team's fifty. However, Shami took revenge in the next ball with a well- placed yorker that uprooted Warner's off stump. Mishra has not bowled during Power Play overs this season and the trend continued. He bowled the ninth over and struck in second ball as Dhawan top-edged the googly to Shreyas Iyer, who covered good distance to take the catch. The two wickets affected the run flow but the visitors still put on board 83 at half-way mark as Kane Williamson (24) found a few boundaries. Tight overs by Morris, Mishra and Yadav, created pressure and Williamson, trying to break free, went for a pull off Shami bouncer but only top-edged it to Morris. There was gap of 15 balls when no boundary was struck. Yuvraj finally found one off Shami and it raised the team's 100 in 13.2 overs. Runs were still tough to come by for SRH with Yuvraj and Henriques managing only singles and doubles. Yuvraj though changed the script after being dropped. (PTI)

IPL: Delhi Daredevils snap losing streak, stun Sunrisers Hyderabad with 6-wicket win

<p>Kings XI Punjab dished out a disciplined all-round performance to notch up a superb 10- wicket win over Delhi Daredevils and keep their IPL play-off hopes alive, here today.<br />
<br />
In one of the most pathetic batting performances in this edition of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Daredevils were shot out for just 67 by Kings XI Punjab in 17.1 overs after invited to bat here.<br />
<br />
Sandeep Sharma (4/20) was the wrecker-in-chief as he returned with a four-wicket haul, while Axar Patel (2/22) and Varun Aaron (2/3) picked up two wickets each. Mohit Sharma (1/3) and Glenn Maxwell (1/12) also contributed with one wicket each.<br />
<br />
Chasing the easy target, openers Martin Guptill (50 not out) and Hashim Amla (16 not out) completed the job in 7.5 overs. This is only Punjab&#39;s fourth win in nine matches.<br />
<br />
Earlier, Daredevils batting looked like a rudderless ship with none of the batsmen getting past 20-run mark. The highest individual score was 18 from Corey Anderson.<br />
<br />
This was the second lowest score in this year&#39;s IPL after 49 by Royal Challengers Bangalore.<br />
<br />
Injured Zaheer Khan did not play today and in an inexplicable decision, the team management named Karun Nair the skipper. Nair has been out of form since his triple hundred in Test cricket and did nothing to inspire the confidence of his colleagues.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Kings XI Punjab's all-round performance keeps their play-off hopes alive

Kings XI Punjab dished out a disciplined all-round performance to notch up a superb 10- wicket win over Delhi Daredevils and keep their IPL play-off hopes alive, here today. In one of the most pathetic batting performances in this edition of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Daredevils were shot out for just 67 by Kings XI Punjab in 17.1 overs after invited to bat here. Sandeep Sharma (4/20) was the wrecker-in-chief as he returned with a four-wicket haul, while Axar Patel (2/22) and Varun Aaron (2/3) picked up two wickets each. Mohit Sharma (1/3) and Glenn Maxwell (1/12) also contributed with one wicket each. Chasing the easy target, openers Martin Guptill (50 not out) and Hashim Amla (16 not out) completed the job in 7.5 overs. This is only Punjab's fourth win in nine matches. Earlier, Daredevils batting looked like a rudderless ship with none of the batsmen getting past 20-run mark. The highest individual score was 18 from Corey Anderson. This was the second lowest score in this year's IPL after 49 by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Injured Zaheer Khan did not play today and in an inexplicable decision, the team management named Karun Nair the skipper. Nair has been out of form since his triple hundred in Test cricket and did nothing to inspire the confidence of his colleagues. (PTI)

IPL: Kings XI roll over ninepin Delhi Daredevils with ease

<p>Mumbai Indians&#39; bowlers rose to the occasion after team&#39;s tough time with the bat as the hosts recorded their sixth win on the trot with a comfortable 14-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match, here tonight.</p>

<p>Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for eight but were terrible in run chase, managing only 128 for seven.</p>

<p>The visitors were gasping at 24 for six at one stage before a 91-run stand between South African pair of debutant Kagiso Rabada (44) and Chris Morris (52) raised their hopes. However, it only reduced the margin of defeat.</p>

<p>Kiwi paceman Mitchell McClenaghan (3/24) scalped three batsmen to rock the Delhi top and middle order and Jasprit Bumrah (2/21) broke the seventh-wicket stand between the South Africans to shape his side&#39;s win.</p>

<p>Delhi needed 30 runs off the final 12 balls but Bumrah and Hardik Pandya denied the rivals a memorable win after they made remarkable recovery through Rabada and Morris.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Amit Mishra returned exceptional figures 4-0-18-2 while Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20) also chipped in with two wickets in Daredevils&#39; good bowling show.</p>

<p>It was a collective bowling effort from Daredevils with Rabada (1/30) and skipper Zaheer Khan also contributing in choking the Mumbai line-up which is full of devastating batsmen.</p>

<p>However, the batsmen could not complement the good work done by the bowlers and suffered their fourth loss in six matches.<br />
Mumbai Indians on the other hand consolidated their position at the top with sixth win in a row.</p>

<p>Earlier, It was Hardik Pandya&#39;s 24 off 23 balls and West Indian Kieron Pollard&#39;s 26 off 29 balls that helped the home side to go beyond the 140 run mark after being 84/5 at one stage.</p>

<p>Mumbai managed to score only 32 runs in the last five overs as Daredevils skipper Zaheer made some good bowling changes.<br />
Daredevils were also brilliant in the field as they managed to run out three Mumbai batsman including Hardik. For the visitors,</p>

<p>Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20), South African Kagiso Rabada (1/30), who made his IPL debut, were impressive.</p>

<p>Openers Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler stitched 37 for the first wicket in four overs. Buttler made his intentions clear as he hit a six off Chris Morris in the second over, followed by a boundary.</p>

<p>Buttler, the star of Mumbai&#39;s game against Kings XI Punjab, got a life on 11 after being dropped by wicket-keeper Rishab Pant on the last ball of the second over.</p>

<p>The Englishman then hammered Rabada for a maximum over the mid-wicket fence. However, in the same over, Rabada, clinched his first IPL wicket as he cleaned up Parthiv (8).</p>

<p>Buttler struck Zaheer for two boundaries in the fifth over. But Buttler?s stay at the crease was cut short by a brilliant throw by Sanju Samson, who came from short cover to hit the stumps as Mumbai slumped to 47/2.</p>

<p>Buttler made 28 off 18 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours.</p>

<p>In the eight over, Cummins removed in-form Nitish Rana (8) as he gave a sitter to Corey Anderson at deep mid-wicket.</p>

<p>In the very next over, skipper Rohit Sharma (5) again fell to a leg spinner, this time Mishra as he was caught by Cummins at deep backward square leg.</p>

<p>In the 13th over, Mishra claimed his second wicket as he sent back Krunal Pandya for 17 as he edge to stumper Pant. Half of the Mumbai side was back to the pavilion on 84.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for 8 but managed only 128 for 7 in the run chase

Mumbai Indians' bowlers rose to the occasion after team's tough time with the bat as the hosts recorded their sixth win on the trot with a comfortable 14-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match, here tonight. Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for eight but were terrible in run chase, managing only 128 for seven. The visitors were gasping at 24 for six at one stage before a 91-run stand between South African pair of debutant Kagiso Rabada (44) and Chris Morris (52) raised their hopes. However, it only reduced the margin of defeat. Kiwi paceman Mitchell McClenaghan (3/24) scalped three batsmen to rock the Delhi top and middle order and Jasprit Bumrah (2/21) broke the seventh-wicket stand between the South Africans to shape his side's win. Delhi needed 30 runs off the final 12 balls but Bumrah and Hardik Pandya denied the rivals a memorable win after they made remarkable recovery through Rabada and Morris. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra returned exceptional figures 4-0-18-2 while Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20) also chipped in with two wickets in Daredevils' good bowling show. It was a collective bowling effort from Daredevils with Rabada (1/30) and skipper Zaheer Khan also contributing in choking the Mumbai line-up which is full of devastating batsmen. However, the batsmen could not complement the good work done by the bowlers and suffered their fourth loss in six matches. Mumbai Indians on the other hand consolidated their position at the top with sixth win in a row. Earlier, It was Hardik Pandya's 24 off 23 balls and West Indian Kieron Pollard's 26 off 29 balls that helped the home side to go beyond the 140 run mark after being 84/5 at one stage. Mumbai managed to score only 32 runs in the last five overs as Daredevils skipper Zaheer made some good bowling changes. Daredevils were also brilliant in the field as they managed to run out three Mumbai batsman including Hardik. For the visitors, Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20), South African Kagiso Rabada (1/30), who made his IPL debut, were impressive. Openers Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler stitched 37 for the first wicket in four overs. Buttler made his intentions clear as he hit a six off Chris Morris in the second over, followed by a boundary. Buttler, the star of Mumbai's game against Kings XI Punjab, got a life on 11 after being dropped by wicket-keeper Rishab Pant on the last ball of the second over. The Englishman then hammered Rabada for a maximum over the mid-wicket fence. However, in the same over, Rabada, clinched his first IPL wicket as he cleaned up Parthiv (8). Buttler struck Zaheer for two boundaries in the fifth over. But Buttler?s stay at the crease was cut short by a brilliant throw by Sanju Samson, who came from short cover to hit the stumps as Mumbai slumped to 47/2. Buttler made 28 off 18 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours. In the eight over, Cummins removed in-form Nitish Rana (8) as he gave a sitter to Corey Anderson at deep mid-wicket. In the very next over, skipper Rohit Sharma (5) again fell to a leg spinner, this time Mishra as he was caught by Cummins at deep backward square leg. In the 13th over, Mishra claimed his second wicket as he sent back Krunal Pandya for 17 as he edge to stumper Pant. Half of the Mumbai side was back to the pavilion on 84. (PTI)

IPL: Mumbai Indians out-bowl Delhi Dardevils, win by 14 runs

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on Kane Williamson&#39;s attacking knock of 89 and some brilliant bowling at the death as they beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs in their IPL match here today.</p>

<p>Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson&#39;s 89 off just 51 balls and his 136-run stand for the second wicket with opener Shikhar Dhawan (70), and then restricted Delhi to 176 for 5 to maintain their unbeaten run at home.</p>

<p>With their fourth successive win at home, Hyderabad jumped to second spot with eight points from six matches, from four wins and two losses.</p>

<p>Chasing 192 for a win, Delhi were in the hunt as they reached 56 for 1 at the end of six powerplay overs with Sanju Samson (42) and Karun Nair (33) going great guns though they lost Sam Billings (13) early on.</p>

<p>But once Samson and Nair were out, Delhi innings lost way and the asking rate piled up. They needed 65 from the final five overs but could only score 49 with the Hyderabad side bowlers coming up with a fine bowling show at the death overs.</p>

<p>Needing 24 runs from the final over, Delhi made a valiant attempt but ended up 15 runs short in the end.</p>

<p>For Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj took two wickets for 39 runs while Siddarth Kaul and Yuvraj Singh grabbed a wicket each.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Batting first, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson's 89 off just 51 balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on Kane Williamson's attacking knock of 89 and some brilliant bowling at the death as they beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs in their IPL match here today. Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted a challenging 191 for 4 courtesy Williamson's 89 off just 51 balls and his 136-run stand for the second wicket with opener Shikhar Dhawan (70), and then restricted Delhi to 176 for 5 to maintain their unbeaten run at home. With their fourth successive win at home, Hyderabad jumped to second spot with eight points from six matches, from four wins and two losses. Chasing 192 for a win, Delhi were in the hunt as they reached 56 for 1 at the end of six powerplay overs with Sanju Samson (42) and Karun Nair (33) going great guns though they lost Sam Billings (13) early on. But once Samson and Nair were out, Delhi innings lost way and the asking rate piled up. They needed 65 from the final five overs but could only score 49 with the Hyderabad side bowlers coming up with a fine bowling show at the death overs. Needing 24 runs from the final over, Delhi made a valiant attempt but ended up 15 runs short in the end. For Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj took two wickets for 39 runs while Siddarth Kaul and Yuvraj Singh grabbed a wicket each. (PTI)

IPL: Riding on Williamson's brilliant knock, Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Daredevils by 15 runs

<p><a href="http://aninews.in/keysearch/keyword-search/manish-pandey.html">M</a>anish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan each struck blistering half-centuries as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Daredevils by four wickets to register their third successive win in the ongoing tenth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Monday.</p>

<p>Chasing a decent target of 169 runs to win,&nbsp;<a href="http://aninews.in/keysearch/keyword-search/kolkata-knight-riders.html">Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;</a>lost opener Colin de Grandhomme and skipper Gautam Gambhir cheaply for one and 14 runs, respectively.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="media-description">
<p>Zaheer Khan&#39;s Delhi Daredevils will take on Gambhir&#39;s Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite big-hitters and fiery pacers in both teams, watch out for the spinners in both teams as one of them could well be a match-winner in this crucial encounter. (WION)</p>
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<p>Manish then steadied his side&#39;s innings, as he not only smashed an unbeaten 69-run knock, including four boundaries and three sixes, but also shared a 110-run stand with Pathan (59) for the fourth wicket to help visitors chase down the target with a ball remaining.</p>

<p>For Delhi Daredevils, Zaheer Khan and Pat Cummins bagged two wickets each while Chris Morris and Amit Mishra also chipped in with a wicket each.</p>

<p>Earlier, opting to bat first,&nbsp;<a href="http://aninews.in/keysearch/keyword-search/delhi-daredevils.html">D</a>elhi Daredevils posted 168 for 7 in their stipulated 20 overs. Opener Sanju Samson (39) and Rishabh Pant (38) were the top scorers for the Delhi-based team.</p>

<p>Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the bowler for the Kolkata team for his figures of three for 22 while Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Sunil Narine all contributed with a wicket each.</p>

<p>Kolkata, who are standing at the top of the table with four wins from five games they have played, will now take on Gujarat Lions at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 21.</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


Chasing 169 and struggling at 21 for three, the KKR duo hit blistering fifties to scorch a stiff target

Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan each struck blistering half-centuries as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Daredevils by four wickets to register their third successive win in the ongoing tenth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Monday. Chasing a decent target of 169 runs to win, Kolkata Knight Riders lost opener Colin de Grandhomme and skipper Gautam Gambhir cheaply for one and 14 runs, respectively. Zaheer Khan's Delhi Daredevils will take on Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite big-hitters and fiery pacers in both teams, watch out for the spinners in both teams as one of them could well be a match-winner in this crucial encounter. (WION) × Manish then steadied his side's innings, as he not only smashed an unbeaten 69-run knock, including four boundaries and three sixes, but also shared a 110-run stand with Pathan (59) for the fourth wicket to help visitors chase down the target with a ball remaining. For Delhi Daredevils, Zaheer Khan and Pat Cummins bagged two wickets each while Chris Morris and Amit Mishra also chipped in with a wicket each. Earlier, opting to bat first, Delhi Daredevils posted 168 for 7 in their stipulated 20 overs. Opener Sanju Samson (39) and Rishabh Pant (38) were the top scorers for the Delhi-based team. Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the bowler for the Kolkata team for his figures of three for 22 while Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav and Sunil Narine all contributed with a wicket each. Kolkata, who are standing at the top of the table with four wins from five games they have played, will now take on Gujarat Lions at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 21. (ANI)

IPL: Pandey, Pathan power Kolkata to thrilling win over Delhi

<p>Dependable home bowlers delivered after Sam Billings and Corey Anderson did the job with the bat as Delhi Daredevils outclassed Kings XI Punjab by 51 runs in an IPL match here on Saturday.</p>

<p>Billings (55) struck his second IPL fifty before Anderson (39 not out) provided late fireworks to lead the hosts to a respectable 188 for six.</p>

<p>The hosts collected 68 runs from the last five overs and it tilted the game in their favour after mid-overs struggle.</p>

<p>Daredevils, who have one of most potent attacks in the league, then restricted Punjab to 137 for nine to hand the visitors their second straight defeat.</p>

<p>The home spinners as well as pacers dominated the Punjab batsmen, never giving them free runs.</p>

<p>It was spinner Shahbaz Nadeem who rattled the Punjab top-order by scalping Manan Vohra (3) and Wriddhiman Saha (7) in successive overs while Chris Morris (3/23) saw the back of Hashim Amla (19).</p>

<p>Adding to the wickets, skipper Zaheer Khan and Australian quick Pat Cummins (2/23) bowled tight overs to choke Punjab. Punjab&#39;s 50 came as late as in the ninth over while Eoin Morgan (22) departed at the half-way mark, caught by Karun Nair off Cummins.</p>

<p>Tottering at 64 for four in 10 overs, the visitors needed 125 runs from the last 10. With David Miller and skipper Glenn Maxwell around it was not impossible but Daredevils had too good an attack.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who has been very consistent from the start of the league, dealt a severe blow to Punjab by seeing the back of Maxwell, who could not even open his account.</p>

<p>The last nail in the Punjab coffin was the wicket of Miller, who was trapped by Anderson in the 14th over.</p>

<p>Earlier, the hosts after a surprise decision to bat first, enjoyed their best start of the season through Billings and Sanju Samson (19) but intermittent wickets hurt them a bit.</p>

<p>They were 83 for two after 10 overs, following the opening pair&#39;s 53-run stand but from overs 10 to 15 the hosts managed only 37 runs and lost the set pair of Shreyas Iyer (22) and Billings.</p>

<p>From there, Morris and Anderson took the onus to get the side to a fighting total, hitting some lusty hits towards the end of innings.</p>

<p>Morris&#39; cameo together with Anderson&#39;s calculated approach negated the good work done by Punjab spinners Axar Patel (1/33) and KC Cariappa (1/23).</p>

<p>Anderson, who hit three fours and as many shots over the ropes in his unbeaten knock off 22 balls, ended the innings with a six off Sandeep Sharma.</p>

<p>At the start, both Punjab pacers Sandeep and Mohit Sharma were largely disciplined but a marginal error was enough for Samson and Billings to steal boundaries.</p>

<p>Billings, who had been struggling for form so far, took some time to find his rhythm but gradually came into his zone.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Samson carried on with his tremendous touch after hammering his maiden IPL ton against Pune and began with two fours off Sandeep.</p>

<p>Punjab today fielded five specialist bowlers and skipper Glenn Maxwell quickly shuffled them around. The Punjab pacemen though proved ineffective. Billings made Varun Aaron look pedestrian with a hat-trick of fours in the fifth over.</p>

<p>Delhi openers put on 49 after Powerplay overs as Samson ended the sixth over with a six off Mohit. Left-arm spinner Patel was the only bowler who got some respect from the home batsmen.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Cariappa, who came in for Ishant Sharma, provided the breakthrough by scalping Samson, who miscued one to long-off. Aaron extended the poor run of Karun Nair (0) by having him caught by Wriddhiman Saha.</p>

<p>Billings found steady partner in Iyer but the Delhi youngster lost his wicket while attempting to accelerate off Mohit. Billings reached his fifty but could not make the most of a good start, becoming a victim of Patel.</p>

<p>The onus was on young Rishabh Pant (15) to take the side to a fighting total but he too fell soon. The wickets kept tumbling but Anderson succeeded in providing impetus to the innings.</p>

<p>(PTI)<br />
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The hosts collected 68 runs from the last five overs and it tilted the game in their favour after mid-overs struggle

Dependable home bowlers delivered after Sam Billings and Corey Anderson did the job with the bat as Delhi Daredevils outclassed Kings XI Punjab by 51 runs in an IPL match here on Saturday. Billings (55) struck his second IPL fifty before Anderson (39 not out) provided late fireworks to lead the hosts to a respectable 188 for six. The hosts collected 68 runs from the last five overs and it tilted the game in their favour after mid-overs struggle. Daredevils, who have one of most potent attacks in the league, then restricted Punjab to 137 for nine to hand the visitors their second straight defeat. The home spinners as well as pacers dominated the Punjab batsmen, never giving them free runs. It was spinner Shahbaz Nadeem who rattled the Punjab top-order by scalping Manan Vohra (3) and Wriddhiman Saha (7) in successive overs while Chris Morris (3/23) saw the back of Hashim Amla (19). Adding to the wickets, skipper Zaheer Khan and Australian quick Pat Cummins (2/23) bowled tight overs to choke Punjab. Punjab's 50 came as late as in the ninth over while Eoin Morgan (22) departed at the half-way mark, caught by Karun Nair off Cummins. Tottering at 64 for four in 10 overs, the visitors needed 125 runs from the last 10. With David Miller and skipper Glenn Maxwell around it was not impossible but Daredevils had too good an attack. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who has been very consistent from the start of the league, dealt a severe blow to Punjab by seeing the back of Maxwell, who could not even open his account. The last nail in the Punjab coffin was the wicket of Miller, who was trapped by Anderson in the 14th over. Earlier, the hosts after a surprise decision to bat first, enjoyed their best start of the season through Billings and Sanju Samson (19) but intermittent wickets hurt them a bit. They were 83 for two after 10 overs, following the opening pair's 53-run stand but from overs 10 to 15 the hosts managed only 37 runs and lost the set pair of Shreyas Iyer (22) and Billings. From there, Morris and Anderson took the onus to get the side to a fighting total, hitting some lusty hits towards the end of innings. Morris' cameo together with Anderson's calculated approach negated the good work done by Punjab spinners Axar Patel (1/33) and KC Cariappa (1/23). Anderson, who hit three fours and as many shots over the ropes in his unbeaten knock off 22 balls, ended the innings with a six off Sandeep Sharma. At the start, both Punjab pacers Sandeep and Mohit Sharma were largely disciplined but a marginal error was enough for Samson and Billings to steal boundaries. Billings, who had been struggling for form so far, took some time to find his rhythm but gradually came into his zone. Samson carried on with his tremendous touch after hammering his maiden IPL ton against Pune and began with two fours off Sandeep. Punjab today fielded five specialist bowlers and skipper Glenn Maxwell quickly shuffled them around. The Punjab pacemen though proved ineffective. Billings made Varun Aaron look pedestrian with a hat-trick of fours in the fifth over. Delhi openers put on 49 after Powerplay overs as Samson ended the sixth over with a six off Mohit. Left-arm spinner Patel was the only bowler who got some respect from the home batsmen. Leg-spinner Cariappa, who came in for Ishant Sharma, provided the breakthrough by scalping Samson, who miscued one to long-off. Aaron extended the poor run of Karun Nair (0) by having him caught by Wriddhiman Saha. Billings found steady partner in Iyer but the Delhi youngster lost his wicket while attempting to accelerate off Mohit. Billings reached his fifty but could not make the most of a good start, becoming a victim of Patel. The onus was on young Rishabh Pant (15) to take the side to a fighting total but he too fell soon. The wickets kept tumbling but Anderson succeeded in providing impetus to the innings. (PTI)

IPL: Delhi Daredevils beat Kings XI Punjab by 51 runs