Delhi Daredevils thrash Mumbai Indians by seven wickets

Mumbai, April 16 (IANS) Delhi Daredevils churned out a dominating performance to crush Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and jump to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium here Monday.

Opting to field first, Daredevils riding on a disciplined performance by its bowlers packed up the famed Mumbai Indians batting for 92 runs in 19.2 overs.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeen (2-16), Morne Morkel (2-22), Ajit Agarkar (2-27) and Umesh Yadav (2-11) bagged two wickets each while left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan (1-12) got one. Nadeem was also adjudged as Man of the Match.

Daredevils easily chased down the target of 93 runs with 31 balls to spare after skipper Virender Sehwag top scored with 32.

For Mumbai Indians, who were without Sachin Tendulkar and their pace spearhead Lasith Malinga, it was their worst performance this season, as they were bowled out for their lowest total of the season. Tendulkar is yet to recover from his finger injury while Malinga missed the match with a back injury.

Barring Rohit Sharma (29) and skipper Harbhajan Singh (33) none of their batsmen could get to double figures before being all out in 19.2 overs. Harbhajan's 22-ball knock had five fours and a six.

While chasing, Daredevils never looked in a hurry. Sehwag and Naman Ojha (13) gave Daredevils a stable start with their 34-run stand. Sehwag hit two fours and a six in his 36-ball innings.

Mahela Jayawardene (17 not out) and Ross Taylor (11 not out) took the team home safely without much damage. For Mumbai Indians, Rudra Pratap Singh bagged two for 24 while left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha got one for 19.

Mumbai Indians slipped from the third position to fourth with four points from five matches while Daredevils jumped to the top with six points from four matches.