GAUTAM Gambhir began his captaincy with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League on a winning note, smacking a half-century to guide his team to a five-wicket victory over the Kings XI Punjab in Mohali.
Put in to bat, the Kings XI lost wickets in a flurry at the top of the order, but Ravi Bopara boosted the total with a commanding performance, the opener making 56 in a modest total of 142-9.
The Daredevils’ chase faltered at the start, but Gambhir made an imperious 72 and Mithun Manhas struck an unbeaten 31 to power their team to victory.
The Kings XI lost opener Manvinder Bisla in the second over and Farveez Maharoof removed Kumar Sangakkara (17) and Yuvraj Singh in quick succession as the top order fell away.
More carnage was to follow as Mahela Jayawardene was out for a first-ball duck, but Bopara, who had stood firm at the other end, arrested the slide by building a useful partnership with Irfan Pathan.
The duo lifted the home side’s total with a 60-run stand for the fifth wicket, Bopara reaching his half-century off 41 deliveries in the process.
However, once the Daredevils severed that partnership – Tillakaratne Dilshan had Irfan stumped for 21 – wickets again fell in a heap.
Bopara too succumbed, flicking a low full toss from Yo Mahesh straight to the fielder at deep square-leg, and fast bowler Dirk Nannes prised out two tailenders but the Kings XI managed to see out the full 20 overs.
The Daredevils’ innings followed a similar pattern and their chase of a relatively small total was undermined by the early loss of their most destructive batsmen.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, who shared the new ball with Irfan, removed both Virender Sehwag (eight) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (zero) in his first over while AB de Villiers was run-out for seven.
Gambhir, who had watched as wickets went down at the other end, then revived the chase with a small, but useful partnership with Dinesh Karthik.
Karthik fell for 20, but Gambhir played a steady hand, reaching his half-century off 40 deliveries.
He fell in the final over and with only three runs needed for victory, but Manhas picked up where Karthik left off to ensure victory for the Daredevils. (BBC Sport)