Dilshan fires Delhi to victory with unbeaten 67

Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed a quickfire half-century to power Delhi Daredevils to a six-wicket win over Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League here on 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.

Kevin Pietersen-led Bangalore have so far posted just one victory in five matches. Dilshan steadied the innings after the early dismissals of openers Virender Sehwag (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 in style, hoisting South African Jacques Kallis for a six.

AB de Villiers was the other notable contributor for Delhi with 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 spinner Daniel 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 Indian Virat Kohli (22).

PORT ELIZABETH, Sunday, AFP