Gambhir leads Daredevils home

Gambhir: Cool head

Related links

Teams

• Delhi Daredevils
• Kings XI Punjab

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• Scores
• Watch online
• Bet now
• Fixtures/Results

Gautam Gambhir struck a match-winning half-century as the Delhi Daredevils defeated the Kings XI Punjab by five wickets in the Indian Premier League.

Captaining the side for the first time, the India opener made an imperious 72 from 54 balls to take his side to the brink of victory, Mithun Manhas seeing them home with an unbeaten 31.

The Daredevils had been set 143 to win after the Kings XI struggled to 142 for nine, England's Ravi Bopara the only player to make a dent in the bowling with 56 off 48 balls.

But while opener Bopara held up his end, six wickets fell at the other after partner Manvinder Bisla fell in the second over before Farveez Maharoof removed Kumar Sangakkara (17) and Yuvraj Singh in quick succession.

Mahela Jayawardene was out for a first ball duck but Bopara arrested the slide by building a useful partnership with Irfan Pathan, the pair adding 60 for the fifth wicket.

But once Tillakaratne Dilshan had Pathan stumped for 21 another slew of wickets fell, including that of Bopara, who flicked a low full toss from Yo Mahesh straight to Manhas at deep mid-wicket.

Dirk Nannes picked up two late wickets to finish with fine figures of 2-12 from his four overs, although the Kings XI did see out their 20 overs.

The reply began poorly, as Sreesanth, who shared the new ball with Pathan, removed both Virender Sehwag (eight) and Dilshan (zero) in his first over while AB de Villiers was run out for seven.

Gambhir, who had watched as wickets went down at the other end, then revived the chase with a small, but useful partnership with Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik fell for 20, but Gambhir played a steady hand, reaching his half-century off 40 deliveries.

He fell in the final over and with only three runs needed for victory, but Manhas picked up where Karthik left off to ensure victory for the Daredevils.