Tuesday evening was all about numbers, with permutations and combinations overshadowing the actual contest at the Ferozeshah Kotla. In the last Group D game, Wayamba needed a big win against Victoria to qualify for the next league stage. They won the toss and chose to bat on a tricky pitch, and looked set to post a total that would keep them in the hunt, having stocked up on the wickets going into the final stretch of the innings.

Things, however, fell apart towards the end of their stint, as they ended up with just 118 for nine in their 20 overs. The low total, and previous results in the group, meant that Victoria needed just 83 to qualify and though they hit a few roadblocks, they got past the mark quite easily in the end. The Australian side fell 15 short of victory after a late burst, but the loss wouldn’t really have hurt under the circumstances. Delhi Daredevils and Victoria Bushrangers move into the next stage from Group D.

Slow start

Looking to recover from their big loss to Delhi Daredevils, Wayamba made two changes to their playing XI, besides asking Mahela Jayawardene to double up as a wicket-keeper.

Wayamba lost Mahela Udawatte early after the left-hander failed to judge the pace and length of a Peter Siddle delivery to be adjudged leg-before; Jeevantha Kulatunga and next man Michael Vandrot proceeded cautiously, and the team’s total read just 16 after the six powerplay overs.

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