Deccan Chargers

IPL Semifinal 1: Deccan Chargers beat Delhi Dare Devils

Adam Gilchrist produced an outstanding display of batting as the Deccan Chargers powered into the Indian Premier League final with a six-wicket win over the Delhi Daredevils at Centurion Park.

Gilchrist rolled back the years by thumping 85 in 35 balls to ensure that Delhi’s 153 for eight was grossly inadequate, the Chargers getting home in the 18th over. The captain led by example, winning the toss and after his side had bowled tidily to restrict the Daredevils to 153, he hit ten fours and six sixes, taking the pace bowlers to pieces before his utlimate downfall came against the leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who picked up three for 19.

The die was cast in the opening over when Gilchrist smashed Dirk Nannes for five fours in a row and he later hit three sixes in one over and he looked set to overtake compatriot Mike Hussey’s record 50-ball century before he was caught off a leading edge by Nannes. Andrew Symonds blasted a quick 24 before an unbeaten 24 from Tirumalasetti Suman guided the Chargers to a comprehensive win.

Earlier, Ryan Harris bowled superbly, returning three for 27 including a double-wicket maiden to start the match in fine style when he had Gautam Gambhir caught at third man by RP Singh and David Warner caught by Herschelle Gibbs at point. From nought for two, the Daredevils fought back brilliantly, Tillakaratne Dilshan hitting 65 in 51 balls with support coming from Virender Sehwag (39) and AB de Villiers (26). RP Singh extended his lead at the top of the Purple Cap standings with two more wickets, Symonds the other man to pick up a wicket.

The Chargers will now play the winners of Saturday’s second semi-final between the Chennai Super Kings and the Bangalore Royal Challengers on Sunday at Johannesburg.

Tags: Deccan Chargers, Delhi Dare Devils, IPL