Zaheer Khan-led Delhi Daredevils (DD) faced their fourth consecutive defeat in the 10th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). This time they were defeated by two time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets with 22 balls remaining. Batting first, DD set 161 for KKR at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which they failed to defend. KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir played a captain’s knock of unbeaten 71 from 52 balls, including 11 fours and no sixes. Gambhir was well supported by Robin Uthappa, who made 59 off 33, before getting run out by Karun Nair. Full Cricket Scorecard, KKR vs DD, Match 32
After this defeat, DD’s climb for qualifying to playoffs has become more steep. To enter playoffs, DD will now have to win six out of rest of their seven games. Reacting to this another defeat, DD captain Zaheer said that his side did not posted a good total and dropped crucial catches as well. “We had the platform I think. We could have defended 160 as well. Me pulling my hamstring didn’t really help. Maybe 15 runs short, but those drop catches never help. KKR put the pressure back on us. We reacted but could not control the game,” said Zaheer during the post match ceremony.
Zaheer lamented the side’s poor fielding efforts and added, ” Timing of the drop catches is very crucial; things would have been different had we taken that catch of Uthappa.”
Zaheer further added that DD could have defended the total with the kind of bowling attack they possesses and said, “We just have to regroup and quickly. We need that spark and the winning momentum. We just need someone to have that kind of day that changes things for us. So far it is not happening, hopefully it happens in the coming matches. It is about staying tight as a group. We have to focus on the process and believe in ourselves.”
Zaheer suffered hamstring during the match and was out for some time. To know more about his hamstring, he said it will come in the news next day. “I will be able to tell you tomorrow (about his hamstring). I was able to field. I did not want to take chance with my bowling. Doesn’t look bad,” added Zaheer.
DD’s sequence of defeats started with KKR in the 15th match of this edition of IPL, followed by against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and then again KKR. DD are currently at the bottom of points table and their next clash in the tournament is going to be against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at Mohali on Sunday.
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