In the build-up to this match, all talk revolved around the Delhi Daredevils needing to find a Plan B, having gone down to an embarassing seven-wicket loss in the opener. Against Wayamba, the Sri Lankan T20 champions, Virender Sehwag, the batsman, just reverted to Plan A — attack, irrespective of the conditions.

Sehwag went on the onslaught at the inconsistent Ferozeshah Kotla pitch to provide a platform for Delhi’s big total. Batting first, Dinesh Karthik provided the finishing touches to the innings — which finished at a healthy 170 — while Glenn McGrath, making an appearance on a cricket field after a break stretching to a year-and-a-half, picked up two wickets in an over to add a touch of romance to the result as Wayamba’s chase crumbled early.

Down to 36 for five in eight overs, it took Mahela Jayawardene’s fighting half-century to provide some respectability to the total. Wayamba eventually lost by 50 runs, finishing up with 120 for seven in their 20 overs.

The Daredevils not only broke the jinx surrounding IPL teams in the competition, they also became the third side to qualify for the next league stage. The Daredevils have a net run rate of +0.700, and are currently second in their group, behind Victoria. Wayamba need a really big win against Victoria to make the cut, and if they do that, the Australian side’s net run rate will fall below Delhi’s.

Change of tactics

There was a change of tactics at the top as skipper Gautam Gambhir dropped himself down to number three. Things started slowly, with Tillakaratne Dilshan playing out a maiden over to start the proceedings. Sehwag, though, was in a hurry and the opener, coming off a long break and a couple of low scores, hit ten boundaries and an 89-metre six. One of those shots did ricochet off Jehan Mubarak into the cover boundary when on 16, but it would be harsh to put that down as a chance. He reached his half-century in 32 balls, and finished with 66 off 42 balls.

... contd.