DD vs Kings XI: Quick Flicks of the Day

Drab, dull, boring – just a few of the choicest words I’d use to describe this game. I’ve never seen anything so pathetic, especially from a side that did extremely well last year. The fun was more about something else; some eye-catching stuff that had nothing to do with cricket. I’d be describing them shortly, but for now, let’s focus on snapshots from the game:

The “Arnold” Effect

Both Delhi and Punjab are guilty of suffering from what I call the “Arnold” Effect. Their batsmen played a big shot (either a four or a six) and were dismissed the next ball while trying to repeat the heroics – a pale imitation of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mahela did it, Sehwag did it, Warner did it, and so did a couple of the Punjab players. What on Earth was the point of going for a second helping when you have a small target to chase? Did they think Rochelle Rao would consent to go on a date if they hit every ball out of the park? Or that Farah Khan would offer them a role in her next? T20 merits the slam-bang approach, but only if you play sensibly.

Gilly Gilly Chhhoooo!

Poor Gilly has had a horrendous run with the bat this time around. While fellow power-hitting openers such as Chris Gayle have set stands alight with their pyrotechnics, the former Aussie wicket-keeper has got out playing nothing-shots. At 41, he’s well past his prime. He’d be better off serving as mentor to the Punjab team, as he really knows how to motivate his troops.

Was that shoe polish on Jadeja’s head?

I kept laughing for a full 5 minutes when “Extra Innings” aired. And what set me off was the presence of neat silver streaks on Ajay Jadeja’s hair, while Kapil Dev‘s looked extra shiny. Has Ajay resorted to apply Kiwi shoe polish to make himself look more dignified? (Note: I told you the cricketing part was dreary!)

Nehra – The name says it all!

It’s a corny sub-title, but I couldn’t help it. The left-armer, well aware that Punjab were chasing a low score, dished out short & wide deliveries like hot cakes. Young Mandeep Singh made the most of it by cracking 3 fours in his opening over. Though he made a comeback of sorts towards the end, the damage had already been done.

Hot-rod Warner

He may have had a torrid time with the bat, but David Warner was outstanding in the field tonight. He exhibited the typical Aussie behaviour – keep fighting even when the battle looks lost. It showed in his fielding, too – his direct hit sent back Mandeep Singh just when he was beginning to free his arms. It was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lacklustre game for DD.

Miller plays it safe

David Miller seems to be a man on a mission. After his superb knock against PWI the other night, the young man took charge & steered his side home, weathering a quick loss of wickets on the way. He was almost dismissed by Botha’s arm ball, but kept a cool head to guide his side to a fabulous win.

Praveen Kumar- King of yorkers

The guy may be labelled as mentally unfit, but he produced a magical delivery to dismiss rival skipper Jayawardene. He kept things on a tight leash, and his final over was nothing short of magnificent. Now there’s someone who’s definitely mentally super-fit!

Shot of the Day: David Hussey’s six

You normally see David Hussey scampering across the pitch, pinching those quick ones and twos like a gazelle. Tonight, I saw a rare bit of aggression from “Little Mr. Cricket” (it’s obvious, isn’t it?). He unleashed a shot that the Maestro (SRT, of course!) would have been proud of – right leg out of the way, bat positioned into a straight drive – and the ball cleared the sight screen beautifully.

Ball of the Day : Johan Botha’s arm ball

Botha can’t catch a break, it seems. Dismissed for 1 in Delhi’s innings, he was expected to tie things down when bowling. And though he did pick up Vohra’s wicket, he was decidedly unlucky not to get David Miller. The classic off-spinner’s arm ball ripped through Miller’s defensive prod and beat everything on its way to the fence.

Dum Dum-a-Dum Dum Dum Dilli? Not today. Today, a Patiala Peg would suffice. And a sincere request to the Delhi team – it’s T20, not Test cricket. Some sensibility, please!