Clinical death bowling paved Delhi’s victory: Duminy

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) A clinical bowling performance at the death overs and perfect execution of plans proved decisive in Delhi Daredevils’ 10-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), batsman Jean Paul Duminy said here on Saturday.

Delhi posted a fighting 164/4 buoyed by Sanju Samson’s 60 and Duminy’s 49 not out. Mumbai were seemingly coasting while chasing but some collective tight bowling by Delhi halted them at 154/7.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra (2/24) was the most shining bowler for Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

“Exceptional death bowling and execution of plans helped us win. The bowlers are working hard at training to improve. Good to see them pull them off today,” Duminy said after the match.

“Our bowling probably at the last five overs was the turning point of the match. Especially in this ground and with a batting line-up they have, Mumbai were always the more fancied side.

“But most teams are winning while chasing, so it feels good to defend a score. The middle period was very important too. Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir bowled well. The pacers backed up their good work at the end, “he added.

It was Delhi’s third win on a trot in the tournament that lifted them to second in the standings. Skipper Zaheer Khan identified they put up a good score and then bowled at the “right areas”.

“Plan was to bowl in the right areas and use variations on this track. We are sticking to a process and following it diligently. We have a young team and the energy is growing in matches," the captain said.

Zaheer also praised the Samson-Duminy's 71-run fourth wicket partnership that shaped their innings.

“Sanju and Duminy both played brilliantly. They needed to stay at the wicket. They struck a crucial partnership and batted really well," he added.

Mumbai all-rounder Krunal Pandya said the team was confident of chasing 165 but credited their opponents for stopping them.

“We have a good batting line-up but Delhi bowled well. The wicket was good. But the ball was coming to the bat a bit slow,” he said.

Asked if they could have shown greater urgency while chasing Pandya said their stroke-filled batters were very capable but Delhi’s superlative death bowling was decisive.

“Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard are match winners. They were going well. But their death bowling especially the last two overs were crucial.”