IPL 10: Match 9, Who Said What: Rising Pune Supergiant v Delhi Daredevils

Delhi Daredevils defeated the hosts Rising Pune Supergiant comprehensively by a massive margin of 97 runs. Earlier tonight, Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field first. As it turned out, the Pune bowlers were taken to the cleaners by young Sanju Samson and Chris Morris along with an important contribution from Rishab Pant. The 22-year old scored his maiden T20 century, becoming the second youngest Indian to score a ton in IPL after Manish Pandey. Samson scored 102 off just 63 balls(8X4, 5X6) at a strike rate of 161.9. Samson set up a late onslaught for Chris Morris who hit a 9-ball 38 at a decimating strike rate of 422.22. He smacked the death bowlers all around the park with three sixes and four boundaries. Daredevils posted a daunting total of 205 in their 20 overs, 76 of them came in the last four.

Chasing a huge total, Rising Pune Supergiant started off in the worst possible manner by losing 5 of their top batsmen before the end of 10 overs, 4 of them before the end of the power play. Zaheer Khan turned back time with an unplayable spell. The left-armer struck thrice with the ball by giving away just 20 runs, he was ably supported by Amit Mishra and Pat Cummins who picked up five wickets between them. In the end, the hosts succumbed under pressure and bundled out for 108 with 23 balls to spare. No prizes for guessing, Sanju Samson was adjudged as the man of the match for setting up the first win in the IPL for his side.

Sanju Samson

The right-hander from Kerala stated that he was elated after his match-winning knock. He believed that the knock was a result of the long training camp prior to the start of the IPL coupled with auspicious guidance from Upton and Dravid. The wicket-keeper also commended the efforts of Pant and Morris who stitched vital partnership with him.

Very happy with the knock and to be part of a winning team. Very thankful to Rahul Sir and Paddy Upton for working with me a lot. We had a long training camp and the results are coming through. I am working on my batting and am keen to iron out my mistakes. Morris and Rishabh are hard-hitters, they helped me string together useful partnerships.

Zaheer Khan

The Delhi Daredevil skipper was all praises for his team brimming with potential. Zaheer also focussed on the selection dilemma prevalent on their side with the likes of Jayant, Rabada and Shami warming the benches. The left-arm seamer was looking forward to carry their momentum into the upcoming matches.

Almost a perfect game, we needed that. This team has got plenty of potential, just need to back them. We just need to work on the processes. We have some good headache in our bowling, Shami, Rabada and Jayant are sitting out. It’s just about clicking during a match situation. I have strong muscle memory I guess, the 92 Tests I have played has helped. The physios and trainers have worked a lot, I am enjoying my time. We have a young side, there’s plenty of energy around. We got a lot of things right in the first game, but this win will help us go a long way in the tournament.

Ajinkya Rahane

Indian Vice Captain believed that the visitors scored 25 runs above par which deflated the mindset of his team. Rahane professed that two big partnerships were necessary to set up the chase which did not happen. He hoped that the team makes amends in the upcoming matches in the long tournament.

I thought 180-190 would be good on this wicket. Credit to Delhi; Sanju (Samson) in the middle and Chris Morris at the end. I think our bowlers bowled well in the middle; Tahir and Zampa. Delhi got the momentum in the last three overs. No blame at all. When you are chasing a big target you need two big partnerships and we didn’t get that. In T20 you have to learn from the past and move on. We have to believe in our ability and look forward to the next game.

The Gujarat Lions will look to take their vengeance for their defeat against the Rising Pune Supergiant on April 14th, while Delhi will lock horns with Kings XI Punjab the next day.