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Badani stars for Superstars

Vijay Lokapally

GURGAON: The silken touch that Hemang Badani possessed when he arrived at the international scene eight years ago was very much in place as he laid the foundation for Chennai Superstars’ five–run victory over Delhi Giants in the Indian Cricket League at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex here on Friday night.

Chennai was the favoured team, having won three of its four encounters. Delhi had just one win in three matches — the margin of defeat notwithstanding — never really looked like making a match of it once Chennai set up a target of 167.

It was a wonderful recovery for Chennai Superstars, which was reduced to 60 for four at one stage after having lost Ian Harvey in the first over of the encounter.

Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs, chose a wide range of shots to entertain the audience. He replaced Russel Arnold as Chennai struggled at 24 for three but lost no time in taking charge in the middle.

His arrival signalled a shift in the proceedings as Delhi adopted a defensive line to arrest Badani’s aggression.

Timing was Badani’s forte on a pitch that was ideal for strokeplay. With timing that showcased his superb touch, Badani slammed an unbeaten 51 off 45 deliveries with five fours. There was a stunning pulled six over square-leg off Abid Nabi, the tall Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler.

Badani and R. Sathish added 67runs for the fifth wicket. Sathish impressed with a 41 off 28 balls with six fours and a six. The left-right combination saw ‘Man of the Match’ Badani and Sathish upset the Delhi bowlers’ rhythm and this turned out to the decisive phase of the contest. Satish did not take time to play some big shots. His intention was positive all through and he exploited the width that the Delhi bowlers kept feeding him with. His breezy performance came to an end when he was finally trapped leg-before by left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza. Delhi started with a flurry as Marvan Atapattu (25), Mohnish Mishra (36) and Abid Nabi (25) made a brave attempt but failed to finish even as Paul Nixon (24) and Dhruv Mahajan (21) strove hard at the end. Nantie Hayward was the pick of the Chennai attack with two for 25.

The scores: Chennai Superstars 166 for six in 20 overs (Hemang Badani 51 not out, R. Sathish 41) beat Delhi Giants 161 for eight in 20 overs (Mohnish Mishra 36).

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