Sunday, April 27, 2008

DECCAN CHARGERS VS MUMBAI INDIANS : THE GILCHRIST SHOW ALL THE WAY





Going in to the 14th match of IPL (Indian Premier League ) both the Deccan chargers and the Mumbai Indians had no wins from 3 games. Which meant that this game was a must win game. The Deccan chargers went in to this game, after heart breaking loss to the Rajasthan Royals, a game which they should have won. Mumbai Indians on other have been suffering from losses on and off the field starting with , the injury to their leader Sachin, followed by heavy losses to Chennai and Mohali and now with the suspension of Harbhajan following the brawl with Sreesanth.

The Deccan chargers won the the toss and elected bowl. The new D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai offered a picture perfect back drop for this crucial encounter. Shaun Pollock took on role of captain for Mumbai in the absence of Sachin and Bhajji. Laxman brought in Nuwan Zoysa for Chaminda Vaas . The Indians got off to the worst possible losing wickets early at regular intervals. They were stuttering at 56-4 in the 11th over. This brought Bravo and Pollock together, they went of about rebuilding the innings. Just as the recovery operation seemed to be working, Pollock got out trying to push tempo. This brought the promising Abhishek Nayar to the crease. The youngster did not disappoint by dismissing the ball to all parts of the ground and showing some much needed urgency. But his cameo innings was brought to end by RP singh. But Bravo continued where he left off and Mumbai finished with a fighting total off 154.


The Deccan Chargers came out all guns blazing relying heavily on the blade of the Adam Gilchrist. It seemed as if the Indian bowlers for some reason that cannot be explained wanted to check if Gilly can play the short ball. Laxman on the other hand was quietly returning the strike to Gilchrist who belligerent mood. Gilchrist took a special liking to Shaun Pollock in the 7th over carting him for 3 sixes and 1 four. Gilchrist continued his bludgeoning of the Mumbai attack by taking apart the youngster Nayar. Gilly brings up his 100 in the same over. Gilchrist 100 of 42 balls is the fastest in the tournament. By the 13th over believe it or not the match was over. The Chargers had finally got on the board with a win. On the other hand, time is running out for the Indians to get things going.

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