IPL: Kings XI Lose To Delhi Daredevils; Qualification Becomes Difficult

In a match very critical to Kings XI's qualification plans, Delhi Daredevils produced a hard fought victory by five wickets. The Daredevils once again showed the depth in their team as Punjab made them sweat for the win.

Batting first Kings XI finished with a below par score of 136 runs. Mandeep Singh once again looked in fine touch, but played one shot too many as he scored 21 in 12 deliveries. Marsh and Saini got dismissed after getting starts. Barring David Hussey, who remained unbeaten with 40, none of the batsmen could make any contributions to the team. Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav once again warmed the cockles of Indian cricket supporters with pacy and economical spells. Aaron finished with 2 wickets, while Umesh snared 3.

In reply, the Delhi innings was on the rocks as Warner and Sehwag got dismissed within no time. Parwinder Awana, one of the finds of the tournament was on a hot streak as he followed Viru's dismissal with that of Venugopal Rao and then Ross Taylor. At 37/4, Punjab had their nose in front, but Delhi had the pastmaster Jayawardena still in the middle. Naman Ojha who has been on a hot streak off late, got the scoreboard moving with his big hits and got the run rate within control. Even though he got dismissed for 34, Mahela in company with Irfan Pathan was in complete control of the chase, and the two kept their heads to win it for their team. Jayawadena finished unbeaten on 56. Awana yet again issued a notice to the Indian selectors with figures of 22/3.

With the win, Delhi become to first team to have qualified for the play offs. Kings XI can still have a chance tomake it, if they win the next two matches.