CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) – Adam Gilchrist and Rohit Sharma hammered explosive half centuries to set up a comprehensive 24-run victory for the Deccan Chargers against the Bangalore Royal Challengers in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at Newlands yesterday.

Unbeaten Deccan are top of the table after two matches. Their total of 184 for six was the highest of the competition so far and Bangalore never seriously threatened to match it before subsiding to 160-8.

South African Jacques Kallis (15) and England’s Kevin Pietersen (11) both briefly flourished before being caught at cover and stumped respectively.

The run chase did feature a 48 from just 27 balls by India batsman Rahul Dravid and 50 from 32 deliveries by 20-year-old Virat Kohli but the contest was never close.

Former Australia international Gilchrist belted five sixes in his innings of 71 from 45 balls for Deccan. Right hander Sharma equalled that in his 52 from just 30 deliveries against a largely hapless Bangalore bowling attack.

Former England captain Pietersen was the least punished bowler with a return of two wickets for 31 runs in his four overs.

The second edition of the IPL was moved out of India due to security concerns and logical issues surrounding the general elections being held in that country.