The Delhi Daredevils batsmen crumbled against Lasith Malinga's fiery yorkers and clever variations in pace, something their captain Virender Sehwag had tried to prevent. His plan during the Delhi innings was to take the bulk of the strike against Malinga, a ploy that failed despite him playing out a maiden over against him. Sehwag was run out, and Malinga cashed in to finish with a five-for to bowl Delhi out for 95.
Lasith Malinga cut through Delhi Daredevils with a five-for
"This is the first time in the last ten years that I've played a maiden over," Sehwag said after the game. "I knew the other batsmen would not be able to pick Malinga. I thought I'd bat against him and let the rest take on the other bowlers."
Delhi have several new players in their squad, with Sehwag among the few who's stayed with the franchise following the auction. "I think I'm the only player in the team who's played the last three IPLs for Delhi, and there are ten debutants with me. So it will take time for us to gel and perform as a team."
Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, who made an unbeaten 46 in the chase, admitted the pitch was one of the more difficult surfaces to bat on. "I thought 135-140 was going to be a fighting total because the ball was keeping low," he said. "Adjusting to the pace of the pitch was going to be extremely important."
Apart from Malinga, whose performance he described as "spectacular", Tendulkar also praised Rohit Sharma, who looked good during his unbeaten 27. "He is a terrific and gifted player, and on a difficult track he played some brilliant shots. This season we'll have to wait and watch what he is capable of."
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