Delhi Daredevils v Deccan Chargers
IPL 2009, First Semi Finals
Delhi had the worst start possible losing Gambhir and Warner for ducks in the first over. However, Sehwag and Dilshan rode their luck (3 chances and half a dozen edges) and counter attacked to revive the situation - 83/2 at 10 overs. That was a platform which Delhi would gladly take considering their poor start. But they failed to push ahead, and Sehwag fell lbw trying to paddle in the dreaded 11th over after the break.
Most thought that 152 was a decent total, though. But Deccan Chargers, would take that, putting in the opposition to bat first.
But what followed was the poorest bit of cricket. Nannes, their left arm pacer, tried to bounce Gilchrist at first, then bowled another short ball on his off stump- which Gilchrist pulled (along the ground!) to mid-wicket for four. Two straighter ones went to square leg and down the track and another short one was cut wide off third man.
The required rate was flattened in the first over- going for 21 runs! The game was all but finished in 3 overs.
This Gilchrist innings was much better than his World Cup Finals 2007, where he mistimed or mis-hit every 4 or 5 shots. This was a more measured innings since he hit them along the ground, a lot more!
Sehwag said they tried everything- short balls, yorkers, bouncers, full tosses... that is where the problem is. You feed variety to such a player and he will hurt you in various ways.
You do not bowl to prevent Gilchrist from shot making, but actually pursue a one shot bowling approach- wide and full - allowing him to drive on the off side. He still is the cleanest striker in the game (and in bouncy conditions) he may yet hurt you, but you can force many false shots this way.
Actually against Kumble/Dhoni/Tendulkar, Gilchrist has struggled to reach strike rates he is legendary for, in the past year or two.
In fact, that is how Sehwag was restricted!- Deccan bowled into his pads and kept the leg side fielders deep- allowing singles and even twos...rather than try to overcome him.
Dhoni (Chennai) or Kumble (Bangalore) will not let things fall apart like this. Deccan, still has big holes in their bowling attack, and this momentum thing is surely not their way yet. Expect more chess from Kumble or Dhoni than this.... This IPL has been characterized by sluggish pitches and slower bowling. Will the finals be similar?
Saumil
Mumbai
23 May 2009
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