All round Delhi thrash Punjab by 51 runs

New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils delivered yet another clinical performance to overwhelm Kings XI Punjab by 51 runs in an IPL match in Delhi.

Defending a target of 189, Delhi could not have asked for a better start as Shahbaz Nadeem trapped Manan Vohra right in front with the scoreboard reading 5. Saha got a promotion to No.3 but was out early off Nadeem for just 7. 

Punjab’s stuttering innings slumped further when Hashim Amla (19) hit a full toss straight down to long leg and they were reduced to 31 for 3.

Morgan and Miller then tried to resurrect the innings but the disciplined Delhi bowling returned with a double blow. First Cummins removed Morgan for 22 and then leg spinner Amit Mishra delivered the telling blow by taking the all important wicket of Glenn Maxwell for a duck.

Losing half their side for 65, Punjab had their hopes pinned in on Miller. But he too missed an Anderson full toss and was adjudged LBW for 25. 

Axar Patel played a lone hand for Punjab by scoring 44, his best in IPL.

It was an all round bowling performance from Delhi. Chirs Morris was particularly good as he closed out the innings and returned with figures of 3 for 23 in his 4 over. But the main damage was done by Shahbaz Nadeem who started the collapse with his meticulous line and length. He picked up 2 wickets for just 20 runs. 

Earlier, it was a well crafted half-century by Sam Billings (55) and a late cameo by Corey Anderson (39) that enabled Delhi to set up the challenging target of 189. 

With two wins in a row, Delhi Darevils have given the IPL league table a twist with three teams locked at 4 points each.

Kolkata Knight Riders are at the top with 6 points in 4 matches.