Gilchrist storm devastates Mumbai

Adam Gilchrist returned to form at the right time when he scored the fastest century of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to guide Hyderabad Deccan Chargers to a comfortable ten-wicket victory over Mumbai at Indians in the fist-ever match at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. It was an important match for both the teams as both had lost their all three previous matches. In reply to Mumbai’s painstaking 154 for 7, the Chargers scored 155 without loss in just 12.3 overs.

Perhaps everybody was waiting to find just when the great Australian entertainer would rediscover his touch in the competition. And when he did, the unfortunate Mumbai Indians found themselves at the receiving end. Gilchrist reached his century in only 42 deliveries, a new IPL record. The record was earlier held by his teammate and compatriot Andrew Symonds, who made a century off 47 balls against Rajasthan Royals. As many as 96 of Gilchrist’s 109 runs came in boundaries – 10 sixes and 9 fours. Imagine the way he dominated the bowling! Gilchrist didn’t single out anyone; all the bowlers were thrashed all over the park with equal ferocity. Skipper VVS Laxman, watching Gilchrist’s innings from the non-striker’s end instead of the stands, also played some delicate shots himself to remain unbeaten with 36.

Mumbai Indians, led by Shaun Pollock as Sachin Tendulkar is still unfit and Harbhajan Singh under temporary suspension, could manage no more than 154 for 7 after being sent in to bat. The Chargers bowlers maintained an excellent line and length making even Sanath Jayasuriya struggle to play his shots. Even with Jayasuriya and Pollock together, the scoring rate never assumed any threatening proportions. It remained between 5 and 6 per over most of the time during their partnership. It was Abhishek Nayar, in excellent form throughout the tournament and Dwayne Bravo who tried to accelerate the run rate and both scored 34 to give their team’s score a semblance of respectability. R P Singh, Sanjay Bangar and Shahid Afridi took two wickets each.

Brief scores: Deccan Chargers 155 for 0 (Gilchrist 109*, Laxman 36*); Mumbai Indians 154 for 7 (Bravo 34, Nayar 34; R P Singh 2/15, Afridi 2/32, Bangar 2/34). Deccan Chargers won by 10 wickets.