Kings Xi Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils – IPL 5 – Live Cricket Score and Update
Delhi Daredevils Indian pacer, Umesh Yadav, continued his impressive form in the Indian Premier League season five, claiming three top order wickets to halt Kings XI Punjab at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, May 19, 2012.
Yadav removed the dangerous Australian duo of Adam Gilchrist and David Hussey, while further dented the host with the wicket of Mandeep Singh – his initial burst read 3-1-4-3. With the conditions again offering plenty of assistance to bowlers, it was hardly
a surprise when Delhi opted to field first.
Mahela Jayawardene again stood in for the ill Virender Sehwag, while Morne Morkel also returned in for Ross Taylor. The pitch was difficult to read as put into frame by Mahela - opting to bank on his limited knowledge of the track, the previous game at the
venue, to get his bowlers early on the field and exploit the favourable conditions.
Gilchrist, fresh from his half-century against Super Kings, and Mandeep Singh started the innings but failed to emulate their heroics from a couple of days ago, and came unstuck against a rampant Yadav. He outshined Morkel and put in a commanding performance,
removing Mandeep on the first delivery he bowled.
Gilchrist was subdued early on and threatened for a while with two fours but soon fell to Yadav after failing to control a pull shot – Varun Aaron completing a good catch.
Morkel then got on the wickets column, getting rid of Paul Valthaty, whose attempted glide found the third-man fielder. Hussey came in but his stay lasted six deliveries before he top edged to become Yadav’s third victim of the day – the hosts reeling at
4 for 20.
Azhar Mahmood came in, and along with Siddharth Chitnis, managed to steady the innings. After playing cautiously, both men managed to gain some momentum – adding 57 for the fifth wicket. Chitnis finally became Andre Russell’s first scalp – departing for
a well made 38, which included five boundaries and a six.
The hosts will now be banking on Mahmood to ensure his side finishes the innings strongly, and keep their chances of making into the top four alive.