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East London: Delhi Daredevils didn't quite pull off the cakewalk expected after their bowlers set the batsmen a target of 117, but the end result was satisfactory because they took back the top spot. Chasing an easily achievable total Delhi's openers ate up overs and departed in succession to put undue pressure on the middle order, but AB de Villiers returned to form and saw Delhi through in the end.
117 was never a difficult target for the powerful Delhi batting lineup and they reached it with more than an over to spare.
The Mumbai Indians cheerleaders were rehearsing at the ground since morning, but even they became a touch frustrated for there was hardly any reason for them to dance.
Luke Ronchi, playing for Jayasuriya, was run out in the first over and when Dirk Nannes induced an edge off JP Duminy, Mumbai were down in the dumps.
They needed Tendulkar, coming in at No.4, to take charge and give the few thousands gathered at the Buffalo Park some reason to party. The Little Master was looking composed too, but he suddenly ran for a single when the ball went to the ’keeper and gave his wicket away.
Mumbai Indians were absolutely shell-shocked and with the ball doing just a bit following a light drizzle ahead of the game, it was impossible for them to fight back.
Dwayne Bravo tried to take the fight to the rival camp with a few big hits, but that too didn’t last too long.
The three Delhi left-arm pacers didn’t give anything away and even Rajat Bhatia started looking menacing with his little seam-ups. The Mumbai lower-order hoped to take some liberty with Bhatia’s bowling, but they ended up losing wickets in a heap to leave Delhi firmly in control.
If Mumbai Indians were to make any impression, it was mandatory for Lasith Malinga to strike early. But the Lankan pacer hardly looked the part.
After the openers left following a steady start, De Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan played themselves in. Then, De Villiers suddenly cut lose in the 16th over bowled by Tendulkar to take 19 runs and it was game, set and match for Delhi.
Brief Score: Delhi Daredevils 118 for 3 (de Villiers 50*) beat Mumbai Indians 116 (Bravo 35, Bhatia 3-14) by seven wickets.
