IPL 4: The IPL 3 and the Champions League winners CSK starts favourite

With Chennai Super Kings just a home win away from back-to-back IPL titles, the team will be looking to live up to the expectations of its serial winner captain M.S. Dhoni(ODI and T20 World Cups and top spot in Test rankings with the National team, and the IPL and the Champions League with CSK).

Along the way, the champion has remained undefeated at home in seven league matches, to extend a stupendous home record: CSK has lost just once in 12 matches at Chepauk over two editions.

The core of its side comprises locals (Murali Vijay, S. Badrinath and R. Ashwin) who have kept the home fans content with consistent performances. Surprise retainee Albie Morkel has performed admirably as a new ball bowler and lower-order finisher.

Michael Hussey and Doug Bollinger (four Man-of-the-Match awards between them) continued from where they left off from IPL-III.

On those rare occasions that the go-to guys have failed, the squad players (Anirudha Srikkanth against KKR and Wriddhiman Saha against KTK) have pitched in.

Add to all this Dhoni's unflappable captaincy (which Dwayne Bravo paid the ultimate compliment to: “He no panic, we no panic”) and the incalculable element of luck (had it not been for James Franklin's last over heroics against KKR, CSK would have finished outside the top two), and Super Kings' case appears persuasive. Come the final, CSK will be favourite to add to its skipper's trophy cabinet.

The contest though might hinge on a few mini duels. Royal Challengers Bangalore, which has never registered a win against Super Kings in Chennai (across four editions), will have to look no further than the red hot Chris Gayle to breach the champion's stronghold.

Gayle has savaged his way to 608 runs in this edition at a strike rate of 184.80, and has been difficult to get away with the ball (six wickets at an economy rate of 6.56).

The West Indian's presence at the top of the order might prompt Dhoni to open with his main strike option Ashwin (17 wickets), who got the better of the southpaw the last time the teams met.

At the other end, Zaheer Khan will be set to continue his battle against Hussey, and with the CSK side containing a few left-handers, the pace spearhead, will hope to influence proceedings to a greater degree than he did against Mumbai Indians.

Vettori's extra spin option is Syed Mohammed (a slow left-arm bowler like the captain himself), and another talking point will be whether the Kiwi persists with him, given that the likes of Suresh Raina (430 runs), Hussey (429 runs) and Morkel will be backing themselves to go over the top against deliveries turning into them.

While CSK's extended batting line-up allows for a fair amount of flexibility, RCB will be concerned by how its innings almost fell away after Gayle's dismissal. With three full days of rest between its matches and having also played a match less, the local side will also be considerably fresher. At the end of a long and gruelling period of cricket, Vettori will hope that the high of the win will offset the effects of fatigue in the final.

Explosive Chris Gayle and crafty Daniel Vettori sink Mumbai Indians

First, the explosive Chris Gayle delivered the big hits. Then, the crafty Daniel Vettori operated with control and guile to provide Royal Challengers Bangalore an emphatic 43-run win over Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier of the Indian Premier League IV at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday night.

Sachin Tendulkar's decision to field boomeranged. There was greater spin for the bowlers in the second half of the contest.

Pursuing a daunting 186, Mumbai Indians finished at a tame 142 for eight. The chasing side was outplayed.

RCB will meet holder Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash on Saturday. The face-off has immense possibilities.

Predatory

Vettori's men were predatory on the field against the side from Mumbai. RCB combined as a mean pack, created the pressure and seized the opportunities.

And the side struck early when aggressive left-hander Aiden Blizzard was held at long-on off efficient left-arm paceman S. Aravind. Pinch-hitter Harbhajan Singh too was prised out by Aravind soon after.

Sachin Tendulkar, though, was stroking with grace and timing. The gaps were found with precision.

In a game and format where one can expect the unexpected, unsung left-arm spinner Syed Mohammad got a quicker delivery to turn sharply past Tendulkar and ‘keeper Abraham de Villiers whipped off the bails. The maestro had been stumped.

Mumbai Indians lost ground rapidly with RCB skipper Vettori operating in a manner that was classical. The accomplished left-arm spinner deceived and consumed Rohit Sharma with his flight and loop. In the same over, Vettori got one to fatally drift into Ambatti Rayudu.

And when the big-hitting Kieron Pollard was spectacularly held by Abhimanyu Mithun at long-off — the fielder did extremely well to retain balance so close to the ropes — off Vettori, the game was going to end only one way.

RCB closed out the match in clinical fashion.

High-octane

Earlier, Man-of-the-Match Gayle was high on octane and low on sympathy for the bowlers. The left-hander is making all the right moves these days.

The ease with which he wades into the bowling is stunning. He picks the length early, creates room with subtle footwork and simply strikes through the line.

Gayle imparts so much power that even in the event of the ball not being timed to his liking, it still soars over the fence for the maximum.

Importantly, Gayle's batting is bereft of exaggerated movements. The feature of his rousing 47-ball 89 (9x4, 5x6) was the manner in which he essayed booming inside-out strokes on the off-side.

His easy, natural back-swing too is a thing of beauty and Gayle's sixes over the sight-screen took one's breath away. While he sought to get on to the front-foot, the manner in which he shifted his weight to the back-leg for those destructive pull shots reflected his flexibility.

Lasith Malinga fired in a yorker and Gayle swatted him to the fence. In the face-off between two game-changers, the West Indian found the right answers.

Mayank Agarwal (41 off 31 balls) played his role well in an imposing 113-run opening partnership in 10.4 overs.

Gayle and Agarwal also combined cleverly as a pair. It was Agarwal who took strike during much of Harbhajan's first two overs with the new ball —the Mumbai Indians wanted the off-spinner to operate more to the left-handed Gayle.

Agarwal whipped out a few vibrant strokes himself; none more than a straight six off Harbhajan after he danced down the track to convert the length.

Ordinary

The Mumbai Indians' catching was ordinary and Agarwal was put down twice; the first miss by Malinga at deep square-leg when the batsman was on 19 proved costly. Harbhajan was the bowler to suffer.

Gayle eventually fell to Munaf Patel —he was picked up at long on. But by then, the West Indian had inflicted considerable damage.

The side from Mumbai fought back. The young Abu Nechim — the paceman went for 27 runs in the opening over of the match — took out Virat Kohli on the pull.

But then, the nimble-footed Abraham de Villiers conjured a cameo in the end overs and Mumbai Indians had a mountain to climb.

And the side slipped.

Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bangalore: M. Agarwal c Rohit b Pollard 41 (31b, 4x4, 2x6), C. Gayle c Franklin b Patel 89 (47b, 9x4, 5x6), V. Kohli b Nechim 8 (12b), A.B. de Villiers (not out) 21, (15b, 1x6), L. Pomersbach c Malinga b Patel 4 (4b), S. Tiwary (not out) 8 (12b), Extras (w-13, nb-1): 14; Total (for four wkts. In 20 overs): 185.

Fall of wickets: 1-113, 2-148, 3-151, 4-157.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Abu Nechim 4-0-56-1, Harbhajan 4-0-40-0, Malinga 4-0-24-0, Munaf 4-0-27-2, Rohit 1-0-14-0, Pollard 3-0-24-1.

Mumbai Indians: A. Blizzard c Agarwal b Aravind 10 (11b, 2x4), S. Tendulkar st. de Villiers b Syed Mohammed 40 (24b, 7x4), Harbhajan Singh c Pomersbach b Aravind 13 (7b, 1x4, 1x6), Rohit Sharma c Pomersbach b Vettori 13 (15b, 1x4), J. Franklin b Khan 16 (17b, 1x6), A. Rayudu lbw b Vettori 0 (1b), K. Pollard c Mithun b Vettori 3 (6b), R. Sathish (not out) 18 (21b, 1x4), L. Malinga c Pomersbach b Syed Mohammed 7 (5b, 1x6), Abu Nechim (not out) 18 (13b, 1x4, 1x6), Extras (lb-2, w-2): 4; Total (for eight wkts. in 20 overs): 142.

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-41, 3-68, 4-82, 5-83, 6-89, 7-99, 8-110.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: Khan 4-0-32-1, Aravind 3-0-27-2, Gayle 3-0-11-0, Mithun 2-0-26-0, Vettori 4-0-19-3, Syed Mohammed 4-0-25-2.

Man-of-the-match: Chris Gayle

Mumbai knocked KKR out of IPL in see-saw eliminator

Mumbai, (AFP): Harbhajan Singh cracked a last-over six as Mumbai Indians posted a four-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

Mumbai needed seven runs in the final over to achieve a 148-run target, but New Zealander James Franklin took a single of the first ball off Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan before Harbhajan smashed the next for a six.

Franklin made an unbeaten 29 off 25 balls, while Harbhajan contributed a five-ball 11 not out.

Mumbai will now clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday, the winners of their match meeting Chennai Super Kings in the final. Kolkata bowed out of the Twenty20 tournament.

Mumbai were strongly placed following an 81-run stand for the opening wicket between Australian Aiden Blizzard (51) and skipper Sachin Tendulkar (36) before losing their way.

Blizzard, who hit two sixes and seven fours in his 30-ball knock, reached his half-century with a six off Australian paceman Brett Lee before being caught in the deep while attempting another big shot off the next delivery.

Munaf Patel earlier played a key role in restricting Kolkata despite an impressive 70 not out by Netherlands' Ryan ten Doeschate as he took two wickets in his opening two overs, including that of South African Jacques Kallis.

Kolkata were struggling at 20-4 in the opening six overs after being put in to bat before ten Doeschate led the recovery with a 60-run stand for the fifth wicket with Yusuf Pathan (26).

Ten Doeschate, who cracked three sixes and six fours in his 49-ball knock, then added 41 for the sixth wicket with Shakib (26) to help his team post a competitive total.

Paceman Patel struck with his fourth delivery when he had Kallis (seven) caught by Tendulkar, who took a superb low catch at mid-off. He got another wicket in his next over when he removed Shreevats Goswani.

Harbhajan got a big wicket when he bowled skipper Gautam Gambhir (four) before seamer Dhawal Kulkarni trapped Manoj Tiwary lbw to put Kolkata under pressure.

IPL 4 : “I think the ICC will look seriously for an IPL window’’ says Sangakkara

Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara made a strong push for an International Cricket Council (ICC) initiative to create an IPL window that will satisfy all sections of the cricketing fraternity.

“I think the ICC will look seriously for an IPL window. It’s an important tournament and it has become part of the cricketing calendar. It can hold its own with any other tournament. I think an IPL window would be good. Once the window is created, it won’t put players into a position where they have to choose between the IPL team for which they have signed and also demonstrate commitment for their country.

“Cricketers take a huge amount of pride in playing for their country and that’s going to be their main aim. At the same time, if they don’t have to do that choosing of sides, I think it will make it easier for everyone (players, Boards) not to rub anyone on the wrong side at times. Hence, an IPL window would be good,’’ he said at the DC Team room, Hotel Trident here on Sunday.

The Chargers, who beat Mumbai Indians on Saturday, are out of the play offs phase of the IPL-IV. Sangakkara will play his last match against Pune Warriors at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Monday before flying to England. He spoke about Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra and the IPL factor around selection of national teams.

Excerpts:

Ishant Sharma: He’s been really outstanding for us. When he came in (for the Chargers), he was a bit rusty. Now we can all see what a quality bowler he is, when he starts running in and delivers the ball. He’s top quality. Presently, he’s probably the best fast bowler in India along with Zak (Zaheer Khan). Ishant has proved himself by performing consistently in this IPL. He bowls well when he has the confidence and is keen to show intent. He attacks right from the start. We give him the confidence by telling him that here’s the new ball, go and hit the deck and do what you like to do. When he has the confidence, he’s been able to raise his game up. Yesterday, it was a case of defending a low total (against Mumbai Indians) and he really wanted to show his intent in the first six overs.

Amit Mishra: This is the first time I have really seen Amit up close. He’s got all the tricks for a leg spinner, but what’s important for a leggie is that he must have a huge heart and Amit has that. He’s also a man of strong character. That came through yesterday when he was batting against MI. He’s a guy who will grab every opportunity that’s given to him.

Others like Shikhar Dhawan and Bharat Chipli: Shikhar is a top class batsman. He’s technically correct and has shaped well in this format. He doesn’t really slog. He’s been extremely impressive. Bharat will keep improving and he will be a very important player next season. Anand Rajan played his first game yesterday. He held his nerves in a really tight situation. Credit to him, after being hit for a six first ball and sending down two wides, he managed to get Kieron (Pollard).

IPL can be enjoyable and frustrating: The key is not to get frustrated. The moment you start getting emotional, that’s when the game starts to slip away. This season has been a steep learning curve for us. We put ourselves in very strong positions to win games, but through a few mistakes in the field, we lost far too many games. The positive is that we have been in good position and beaten sides, but that also hurts because having beaten MI we know how good we are.

IPL as a factor for national selection: If the selection is being done for Twenty20, then the IPL performances can be considered. But the IPL format is not that much when it comes to selection for one-day or Test cricket. When you see guys like Ishant and Amit perform consistently well, as bowlers in this format of the game, it means they have a lot to offer. These two guys have played for India. They (the selectors) were probably waiting to see how these two step up in the IPL.

Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL): We are launching the first tournament in July. I hope that it goes off really well and becomes a very successful tournament. It’s important that our cricketers become that bit more professional in the way they play. The benefits have to go the grass roots level of Sri Lankan cricket. There are cricketers who have been playing day in and day out for their clubs and provinces without many rewards. They don’t get opportunities to get into the national side or play something like the IPL. The SLPL should benefit these players a lot, not the Sri Lankan internationals. Of course, the internationals who play have to benefit as well, but more importantly the club and provincial players have to be rewarded for their commitment and passion to Sri Lankan cricket.

England tour, not as a captain: It’s going to be a great fun for me to go to England, I would be far more relaxed. I love playing Test cricket. Hopefully, I can make an impact on the tour and keep doing what I can do and that’s scoring runs.

IPL 4 : The Mumbai Indians captain criticised the track at the Wankhede Stadium following a shock loss.

Sachin Tendulkar seems to be having a torrid time adjusting to the pitches in the IPL and after lambasting the strip in Jaipur, the Mumbai Indians captain criticised the track at the Wankhede Stadium following a shock loss to Deccan Chargers here.

The MI batsmen struggled to negotiate the likes of Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha and Jean-Paul Duminy all of whom got help from the wicket as Deccan prevailed by 10 runs in the contest in which the hosts failed to chase 136 last night.

“The ball was gripping quite a bit. I think the wicket could have been better. This was not to our liking,” a dejected Tendulkar stated at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Incidentally, Tendulkar had earlier been critical of the Sawai Man Singh Stadium wicket which was slowish in nature and Mumbai Indians struggled to 94 for eight against Rajasthan Royals in an earlier match in the tournament.

The iconic batsmen admitted that it was really disheartening to let things slip after controlling proceedings for 19 overs during the opposition batting.

“We controlled proceedings for 19 overs. We should have given away less runs in the last over. Also while batting, we played a lot of dot balls. Pollard and Harbhajan brought us back in the match but their bowlers did a good job,” the Mumbai Indians skipper said.

Having lost back-to-back matches, Tendulkar admitted that anything could happen in this format.

“You can find teams which were playing badly suddenly start doing well.”

His teammate Rohit Sharma who attended the post-match media conference admitted that there was distinct lack of application on their part on a wicket which wasn’t conducive for batting.

“We did not apply ourselves. The track was dry and slow. It was not the perfect batting track. We played some poor shots,” Rohit stated.

The talented batsmen refused to buy the theory that Munaf Patel’s last over cost them the match.

“I would not say so. We had bowled brilliantly till the 19th. There were no big overs and it was expected they would try and score in the last over. It can happen in Twenty20,” he said.

Rohit, however, assured that there is no reason to panic although they have now lost back—to—back matches.

“There’s no need for panic. We have five days time to discuss what went wrong and see to it that we don’t make the same mistakes again. Our next game is against the Rajasthan Royals on the 20th,” he said.

He also praised the bowling of Ishant Sharma and said his superb five-wicket haul against Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the earlier part of the tournament has given him a lot of confidence.

“Ishant bowled well. He has got back his rhythm after his five wicket haul against Kochi and he bowled in the right areas,” Rohit quipped.

Asked about his inclusion in the Indian squad, Rohit said he was very happy but at present was focused on the IPL.

“When I heard the news of my inclusion in the team I felt happy. I am happy to be back. But at the moment, I am focused on IPL,” he said.

IPL 4 : Tuskers and Royals will realise,that neither has a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.

After one look at their net run rates and positions on the points table, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Rajasthan Royals will realise, as they prepare for Sunday's game at the Holkar Stadium here, that neither has a realistic chance of finishing in the top four.

Kochi's first match at the venue ended in disappointment as Dinesh Karthik and Shaun Marsh feasted on some listless bowling to make short work of what originally appeared a daunting target.

Mahela Jayawardene admitted afterwards that his bowlers needed to come up with serious plans if they were to succeed on Sunday, on what looked an excellent batting pitch.

“They have to realise that merely hitting the deck will not work,” he said.

Fielding four overseas batsmen meant that Kochi's bowling unit — with the exception of R.P. Singh who moved the ball around — looked lightweight on Friday.

Even the usually reliable Vinay Kumar did not escape Karthik's onslaught, conceding 28 runs in his three overs.

Switching positions

Ravindra Jadeja and Parthiv Patel switched batting positions against Punjab, the former arriving at one-drop with the latter relegated to number six.

While it may be undemanding to denounce the move in hindsight, Patel's ability to find gaps could have helped immediately after the fall of Brendon McCullum's wicket, a period in which the side eventually found the run-flow constricted. Owais Shah impressed briefly with his hitting in his debut game for Kochi, and appears the only one, after McCullum, capable of clearing the ropes consistently.

Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, may boast two of cricket's longest hitters in its ranks, but neither Shane Watson nor Ross Taylor has been as effective as hoped.

Although Watson has been fairly economical in his bowling, he is yet to dominate the way he is known to be capable of, with the bat.

Rahul Dravid has been steadily accumulating runs, as is his wont, at the top of the order but has sorely missed a reliable partner.

Rajasthan's best score this season has been 159, a figure that ranks at number 39 on the list of IPL-IV's highest totals, exemplifying the team's struggles. Shane Warne has been his side's best bowler, largely waging a lone, desperate battle.

The Rajasthan captain has 12 wickets against his name this season, at an economy of 6.20.

Johan Botha, Amit Singh, and Siddharth Trivedi have all offered support at times but appeared nothing more than mediocre.

Warne's participation

There was, however, some speculation over Warne's participation in the tie, with suggestions that the “disciplinary action” the team management had decided to take entailed a one-match ban.

Rahul Dravid, though, said he was unaware of it and that Warne would play if fit. Rajasthan Royals Media Manager Arpit Garg said: “The RCA and RR have reached an agreement internally. It cannot be construed as disciplinary action. It is an internal matter and was not meant to leak outside. Warne will play the next two matches; there is no change there.”

Kochi was bowled out for 109 when the sides met last month, as Rajasthan sailed home by eight wickets.

A repeat of the result will put the side out of the competition.

IPL 4 : Rahul Dravid on Saturday said the side remained hopeful.

While admitting that Rajasthan Royals' chances of progressing to the play-offs was thin, Rahul Dravid on Saturday said the side remained hopeful.

“Obviously, it's disappointing to be in this situation,” he said, addressing the media ahead of Sunday's match against Kochi Tuskers Kerala. “There was a time when our qualification was in our hands, but we lost three games in a row. Now, our chances are slim, but we have to win both our games. Other results too need to go in our favour if we are to enter the next phase. We can still hope that it happens.”

Rajasthan Royals came out on top when the two sides met earlier in the competition, and Dravid alluded to this. “We have beaten Kochi before,” he said. “So hopefully that'll be playing on their minds. But we know they're a good side; it's going to be difficult.”

Indore-born Dravid also spoke of his association with the town.

“I used to come here a lot in my childhood,” he said “I have very good memories of the place.” — Sports Reporter

IPL 4 : With improved team spirit, Kings XI Punjab aiming to finish its home-run with a flourish.

Armed with renewed hope and improved team spirit, Kings XI Punjab has made it to this hilly destination aiming to finish its home-run with a flourish.

This picturesque venue, Kings XI's ‘home' away from home, is set to host three games in the space of six days. Kings XI needs to win them to make the play-offs.

After back-to-back victories over Mumbai Indians and Kochi Tuskers, Kings XI starts as an obvious favourite against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.

The last time the teams met, at the Ferozeshah Kotla, Daredevils finished 29 runs ahead in a match that produced 434 runs — the highest so far in IPL-IV.

Much has changed since that tall-scoring entertainer. Kings XI has found its way back into contention. It is currently sixth in the standings. Importantly, Kings XI can draw plenty of confidence from the fact that three of its five victories have come against teams ahead of it — Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and of course, the mighty Mumbai Indians.

Confident

After embarrassing Sachin Tendulkar's men by a whopping 76 runs and then chasing down a challenging score against Tuskers on Friday, Kings XI is a supremely confident team at the moment.

Apart from the fact that skipper Adam Gilchrist, due for a big one, Paul Valthaty, in fine touch, and Shaun Marsh, playing the role of an innings-builder to perfection, the team now has Dinesh Karthik showing signs of contributing effectively.

Daredevils' new skipper James Hopes, too, has the ability to adopt the wait-and-wallop approach. These are tough times for the team, playing without much at stake, including pride. To be out of contention for a place in the play-offs, with still some matches in hand, can be very difficult for the players. Lack of motivation does become a major factor in such a situation and Daredevils will have to deal with it.

Need to be motivated

From the moment Daredevils opened its campaign and was bowled out for a sub-100 total against Mumbai Indians at home, there have been only a couple of moments of joy for the team. If Daredevils managed a few highs, it was only due to its batsmen, particularly Virender Sehwag.

Now that Sehwag is done with the competition and a new captain is in place, it will take a lot from the players to be inspired to win again.

The explosive David Warner is yet to fire the way he is capable of. Naman Ojha and Venugopala Rao have looked good without playing match-winning knocks. Hopes did score a half-century but overall, the batting looks weak.

‘Generous' bowlers

The less said the better about Daredevils' bowling. From Ashok Dinda to Irfan Pathan to Ajit Agarkar, the team has them all. Whether bowling upfront or at the death, they have been generous.

The latest addition, Andrew McDonald, too, was taken to the cleaners by CSK. Going by the results of the two matches played here last season, Sunday's encounter promises a high-scoring fare. With both teams lacking adequate bowling resources, though Kings XI has a better variety, it could well be a batsmen's match.

Compared to Daredevils, Kings XI has much to play for. A victory will not only keep it in the hunt for the next stage of the competition but also give the host the sweet taste of revenge.

IPL 4 : Deccan Chargers score an unexpected 10-run victory over Mumbai Indians

Ishant Sharma's sheer pace and ability to manipulate the seam in his opening burst paved the way for Deccan Chargers to score an unexpected 10-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday.

It was another dismal performance by the last season's finalist and which began the IPL-IV as a favourite. After a fourth defeat in 12 matches MI's points position stands at 16.

Though not consistently among wickets, except for a five wicket peach of a performance against Kochi Tuskers Kerala at Kochi, Ishant stood up to the task admirably — in the absence of Dale Steyn — in defence of a small total.

The lanky seamer generated speed, extracted bounce, rattled the MI top order and most importantly dispatched Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma in an extended three-over spell.

Building up pressure

After off-spinner Jean-Paul Duminy had accounted for Aiden Blizzard, left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha and leg spinner Amit Mishra (Man-of-the-Match) played a vital role in building up pressure.

Earlier Michael Lumb's return to IPL action after a year was brutally terminated by Lasith Malinga off the second ball he sent down.

The left hander, who had met with some success for Rajasthan Royals in the previous season, lost his balance and his stumps as a result of the yorker-length delivery the Sri Lankan bowled with precision.

Regular wickets

The Chargers barely managed to recover from the Malinga blow and lost wickets at regular intervals, though the stocky Sunny Sohal smashed two sixed off Munaf Patel and T. Suman.

The home side pressed hard for wickets, but it did not fructify until Kieron Pollard, in keeping with his spectacular fielding and catching right through the tournament, converted a splendid skier that came of the leading edge of the Chargers' captain Kumar Sangakkara.

Then Rayudu whipped off the bails when Duminy, drawn forward by Harbhajan Singh, failed to stretch his back leg inside the batting crease.

The MI fielding was not exactly flawless as it was against Chennai Super Kings at the same venue three weeks ago, but nonetheless it never allowed the Chargers the leeway to push the run rate at any point.

The Chargers managed to post a modest total, thanks to the big blows struck by Amit Mishra off the last over of its innings bowled by Munaf.

The over — marred by some unnecessary quarrelling between Munaf and Mishra — fetched a substantial 23 runs and offered some hope for Sangakkara's team to make a contest of the match.

Scoreboard

Deccan Chargers: M. Lumb b Malinga 0 (2b), S. Sohal c Symonds b Pollard 20 (22b, 2x6), K. Sangakkara c Pollard b Kulkarni 27 (28b, 1x4, 1x6), J-P Duminy st. Rayudu b Harbhajan 8 (10b, 1x4), B. Chipli c Suman b Kulkarni 10 (11b, 1x4), D. Christian b Kulkarni 18 (23b), S. Dhawan (not out) 27 (18b, 2x4, 1x6), A. Mishra (not out) 18 (6b, 4x4); Extras (lb-4, w-3): 7, Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs): 135.

Fall of wickets: 0-1, 2-39, 3-53, 4-58, 5-77, 6-105.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Malinga 4-0-17-1, Patel 4-0-37-0, Harbhajan 4-0-26-1, Kulkarni 4-0-26-3, Suman 2-0-15-0, Pollard 2-0-10-1.

Mumbai Indians: S. Tendulkar lbw b Rajan 37 (42b, 3x4), A. Blizzard b Duminy 1 (7b), A. Rayudu b Ishant 2 (8b), Rahul c Sangakkara b Ishant 4 (6b, 1x4), A. Symonds c Ishant b Mishra 8 (19b), T. Suman c Dhawan b Rajan 14 (13b, 2x6), K. Pollard c Lumb b Rajan 24 (13b, 3x4, 1x6), Harbhajan (not out) 17 (11b, 1x4, 1x6), L. Malinga (run out) 0 (0b), D. Kulkarni (not out) 0 (0b); Extras (b-8, lb-2, w-8 ): 18; Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs): 125.

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-19, 3-25, 4-54, 5-81, 6-83, 7-123, 8-124.

Deccan Chargers bowling: Duminy 2-0-3-1, Ishant 4-0-30-2, Ojha 4-0-16-0, Rajan 3-0-27-3, Christian 3-0-21-0, Mishra 4-0-18-1.

Man-of-the-Match: Amit Mishra.

IPL 4 : Rajasthan Royals apologises to Sanjay Dixit for the incident involving him and Shane Warne.

Rajasthan Royals has tendered an apology to Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) secretary Sanjay Dixit for the incident involving him and Shane Warne at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium on May 11.

Warne had used abusive language against Dixit for not allowing the team to have a pitch of its choice for the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at Jaipur. Dixit had complained to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the IPL chairman Chirayu Amin and demanded an apology.

In a mail to the RCA secretary, the Rajasthan Royals Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sean Morris said, “On behalf of everyone at Rajasthan Royals, please accept my apologies for any distress that this might have caused you personally.”

Morris continued, “I write to inform you and update you on our response to the incident that occurred at the end of the presentation ceremony at the RR vs RCB game. An internal disciplinary panel was convened at the earliest opportunity and met with Shane Warne to review his comments made to yourself post the prize giving.”

Warne had confronted Dixit and used objectionable language. “Offensive language,” as Dixit later informed.

The RR CEO continued, “Following submissions from the player and other management staff who were present at the incident we have decided to take disciplinary action against the player. The player has accepted the action that we have taken and apologised for any distress caused.”

According to Morris, as a franchise, the players had been told “We will not tolerate colourful language towards anyone and in particular not a senior officer such as yourself.”

RR, with two matches in hand, is almost out of contention for the playoffs.

IPL 4 : Gayle once again settles the issue

On a damp Saturday night, Royal Challengers Bangalore thrived on the early heat generated by Chris Gayle, to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by four wickets in the Indian Premier League match here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The triumph helped RCB nudge its points tally to 17 and emphatically secure a berth in the play-offs. KKR remained on 14 points from 12 matches and is still in contention for the final phase.

The Knight Riders scored 89 for four in 13 overs in a rain-marred evening. Chasing a revised Duckworth Lewis target of 102, RCB whittled down the runs with Gayle again giving manic impetus to a productive pursuit.

RCB scored 105 for six in 12.3 overs. Gayle struck four fours in Brett Lee's first over and the runs came in a medley of edges and authoritative biffs past sweeper cover. The second over bowled by Jaidev Unadkat triggered a run-glut.

Gayle (38, 12b, 6x4, 2x6) slammed two sixes and a four and Luke Pomersbach too chipped in, as 23 runs were pocketed to grant RCB a solid cushion that covered up the subsequent fall of wickets.

Gayle fell to Lee with Jacques Kallis pouching the skier at third-man, but by then the opener had become the current orange-cap owner with 436 runs, going past Virender Sehwag's 424.

Kallis then bowled a niggardly spell (two for 16) and scalped Pomersbach and RCB captain Kohli, but with the required run-rate falling below five, the host was always in the hunt. A.B. de Villiers remained at the crease right through and struck the winning four off Balaji.

Though the match had spilled into the final over, the RCB dugout had no cause for worry. In the later stages of the chase, Mohammad Kaif played some effective pulls to keep the target in sight and with de Villiers dropping anchor, the late dismissals of Arun Kartik and an injured Saurabh Tiwary, hardly hampered RCB's seventh successive victory and eighth overall in the league.

Early breakthrough

Earlier, Kohli won the toss, opted to field and Kallis drove Zaheer Khan twice in the opening over to make team-owner Shah Rukh Khan grin.

The flourish was short-lived and KKR slumped alarmingly to 30 for three in 5.3 overs. Eoin Morgan failed to get past square-leg off Zaheer. Surprised by Charl Langeveldt's angled-across follow-up to a bouncer, Kallis wafted weakly. And skipper Gautam Gambhir cut sharp and found an agile A.B. de Villiers snap up a blinder at point.

Manoj Tiwary bided his time, though he and Yusuf Pathan were mired in mid-pitch scrambles for risky runs as they relied on adrenalin rather than on astute judgement.

Abhimanyu Mithun bounced Pathan and the big-hitter, after a few ungainly moments, found relief in a slashed four. Pathan was in his elements when the ball was pitched up as Mithun and Gayle found out, while the towering sixes landed in the Members Stand.

The skies then opened up and the rain-stoppage, that lasted for 128 minutes, forced the reduction of the match to 13 overs per side.

On resumption, Pathan pummeled Kohli over mid-wicket to register his 72nd six in the IPL to go past Adam Gilchrist's earlier record of 71 sixes.

Pathan fell in the next over, the final one bowled by Charl Langeveldt and the total, despite the artificial boost through the Duckworth Lewis method, was never enough on another night when Gayle briefly ruled.

Scoreboard

Kolkata Knight Riders: J. Kallis c Arun Kartik b Langeveldt 17 (14b, 3x4), E. Morgan c Pomersbach b Zaheer 2 (5b), G. Gambhir c de Villiers b Aravind 7 (9b, 1x4), M. Tiwary (not out) 19 (24b, 1x4), Y. Pathan c Mithun b Langeveldt 36 (24b, 2x4, 3x6), M. Boucher (not out) 1 (2b), Extras (w-2, b-4, lb-1): 7; Total (for four wkts., in 13 overs): 89.

Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-21, 3-30, 4-83.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: Zaheer 3-0-17-1, Langeveldt 3-0-10-2, Aravind 3-0-18-1, Mithun 2-0-14-0, Gayle 1-0-11-0, Kohli 1-0-14-0.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: C. Gayle c Kallis b Lee 38 (12b, 6x4, 2x6), L. Pomersbach c Unadkat b Kallis 16 (14b, 2x4), V. Kohli c Boucher b Kallis 15 (15b, 2x4), A.B. de Villiers (not out) 13 (13b, 2x4), M. Kaif c Bhatia b Unadkat 15 (13b, 1x4), A. Kartik c Unadkat b Abdulla 1 (2b), S. Tiwary (run out) 1 (5b), A. Mithun (not out) 0 (0b), Extras (w-6): 6; Total (for six wkts., in 12.3 overs): 105.

Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-65, 3-72, 4-95, 5-96, 6-101.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Lee 3-0-31-1, Unadkat 2-0-30-1, Kallis 3-0-16-2, Abdulla 3-0-18-1, Balaji 1.3-0-10-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Chris Gayle.