The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Narrow win for Kolkata Tigers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 31, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Narrow win for Kolkata Tigers

Special Correspondent

GURGAON: Looking good to win for the better part of the run-chase, Delhi Giants lost its way dramatically and handed out a one-run victory and a semifinal berth to Kolkata Tigers in the DLF-Indian Cricket League’s Edelweiss 20s Challenge at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium here on Sunday.

The closest finish in this edition of the ICL came in a sensational manner. Chasing 143, Giants needed 10 runs off the last two deliveries off Lance Klusener. The South African bowled a no-ball that fetched Shane Bond two runs in spite of being ‘caught’ at mid-wicket.

With a free-hit to follow, the equation stood trimmed to seven runs needed off two balls. Bond helped himself to a lofted boundary over cover to raise Giants’ hopes. Off the last ball, Klusener beat Bond outside the off-stump. The resultant bye was, however, not enough.

Lahore Badshahs, Chennai Superstars, Hyderabad Heroes and Tigers occupy the top four spots in the eight-team league. The semifinal line-up will be decided on Monday.

Giants openers Avishka Gunawardene (35, 5x4) and Mohnish Mishra (27, 5x4) raised 41 runs in four overs. Things looked like going Giants’ way till 66 for one in seven overs.

Chandana strikes

Thereafter, the introduction of Man-of-the-Match Upul Chandana (three for 15) in the eighth over slowed down the run-flow. The leg-spinner was ably assisted by left-arm spinner Shibsagar Singh (two for 15) and Giants suddenly found itself struggling at 98 for four after 15 overs.

Earlier, Klusener played to a plan and batted through the innings for a 61-ball 62 with eight boundaries. With the surface not encouraging stroke-play, Klusener was happy to rotate the strike with fellow-opener Deep Dasgupta (35, 1x6, 4x4).

The scores: Kolkata Tigers 142 for four in 20 overs (Lance Klusener 62 n.o., Deep Dasgupta 35, Craig McMillan 21) bt Delhi Giants 141 for seven in 20 overs (Avishka Gunawardene 35, Mohnish Mishra 27, Upul Chandana three for 15, Shibsagar Singh two for 15).

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport