Sports

DILSHAN does it for Delhi

Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed aquickfire half-century to power DelhiDaredevils to a six-wicket win over BangaloreRoyal Challengers in the Indian Premier League hereon Sunday.The Sri Lankan cracked two sixes and five fours in his 47-ball 67 not out as Delhi achieved a 150-run target with four balls to spare for their third win in as many matches.

evin Pietersen-led Bangalore have so far posted just one victory in five matches.

Dilshan steadied the innings after the early dismissals of openers VirenderSehwag (seven) and Gautam Gambhir(16). He put on 44 for the unfinished fifth wicket off just 22 balls with Mithun Manhas (23 not out).The Sri Lankan reached his second half-century of the tournament instyle, hoisting South African Jacques Kallis for a six. AB de Villiers was the other notable contributor for Delhiwith 21.Bangalore’s chances of setting a stiff target receded when well-set Pietersen (37) was bowled attempting a switch-hit off New Zealand left-arm spinnerDaniel Vettori in the 10th over.Pietersen, who smashed two sixes in his 25-ball knock, put on 62 for the third wicket with New Zealander Ross Taylor (31) after openers Kallis and Robin Uthappa were dismissed in the opening two overs. South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher hit two sixes in his 28-ball 36 and added 61 for the fifth wicket with Virat Kohli (22).

Scores: Bangalore Royal Challengers 149/7 (K. Pietersen 37, R. Taylor 31, V. Kohli 22, M. Boucher 36, D.Nannes 1/24, A. Nehra 2/34, A. Mishra 1/19) lost to Delhi Daredevils 150/4 (T. Dilshan 67 not out, AB de Villiers 21, M.Manhas 23 not out, PankajSingh 2/32, B. Akhil 1/8)