IPL 8: Daredevils thrash Kings XI by 9 Wickets

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): Led by pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, Delhi Daredevils demolished Kings XI Punjab’s batting order before chasing down a paltry total with nine wickets in hand at the Ferozeshah Kotla to earn their fourth win from eight matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Friday.

A brilliant bowling performance, led by Coulter-Nile helped Daredevils restrict Kings XI Punjab to 118/8 in 20 overs. In reply, the hosts chased down the target in only 13.5 overs to rise to fourth spot in the eight-team league, where Kings XI still lie last.

Put in to bat, Kings XI were reduced to 10/4 by the fourth over as the visitors’ top-4 failed to click and got out for single-digits.

They were further tottering at 45/6 in the 10th over but South Africa’s David Miller (42) led a revival as he anchored the innings to help his side cross the 100-run mark. Miller’s 41-ball innings included four boundaries and a six.

Captain George Bailey (18) and Axar Patel (22) also made small contributions when all other batsman failed to reach double-digits.

Daredevils bowlers were on the spot today as Coulter-Nile picked up a fantastic 4/20 from his four overs. The Australian was given good backing by veteran Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, who returned to the playing XI with impressive figures of 4-0-17-2.

Captain JP Duminy and spinner Amit Mishra also picked up a wicket each for the hosts, who played the last match of the 2015 season here.

In reply, Daredevils hardly broke a sweat in chasing down the target with absolute ease. Openers Mayank Agarwal (52 not out) and Shreyas Iyer’s (54) struck half-centuries to guide their team home with the help of a 106-run opening wicket partnership.

Agarwal hit six boundaries and a six in his knock while Iyer, whose wicket was the only minor hiccup provided by Kings XI medio Thakur, smashed four boundaries and three sixes.