Led by pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile and Zaheer Khan, Delhi Daredevils demolished Kings XI Punjab’s batting order before chasing down a paltry total with nine wickets in hand at the Ferozeshah Kotla to earn their fourth win from eight matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
It was a clinical bowling performance by Coulter-Nile with figures of 4/20 that helped Daredevils restrict Kings XI Punjab to 118/8 in 20 overs. In reply, the hosts chased down the target in only 13.5 overs.
Put in to bat by DD captain JP Duminy, the Kings XI’s top order was reduced to 10 for 4 in the fourth over. They were further tottering at 45 for 6 in the 10th over but South Africa’s David Miller (42) led a revival as he anchored the innings to help his side cross the 100-run mark.
Captain George Bailey (18) and Axar Patel (22) also made small contributions when all other batsman failed to reach double-digits.
Daredevils bowlers were on the spot today as Coulter-Nile picked up a fantastic 4/20 from his four overs. The Australian was given good backing by veteran Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, who returned to the playing XI with impressive figures of 2/17 in his four overs.
Duminy and spinner Amit Mishra also picked up a wicket each for the hosts, who played the last match of the 2015 season here.
In reply, Daredevils hardly broke a sweat in chasing down the target with absolute ease. Openers Mayank Agarwal (52 not out) and Shreyas Iyer’s (54) struck half-centuries to guide their team home with the help of a 106-run opening wicket partnership.
(With inputs from agencies)
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