Gilchrist blasts Deccan into final

by Chris BURNES

CRICKET: CENTURION, South Africa, May 23, 2009 - Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag admitted he was helpless as Adam Gilchrist blasted the Deccan Chargers to a shock win in the first Indian Premier League semi-final at Centurion Park on Friday. "He batted extremely well," said Sehwag after Gilchrist's 85 off 35 balls took Deccan to a six-wicket victory with 14 balls to spare.

"The bowlers tried everything - yorkers, full tosses, full length, short- pitched - and everything went for fours and sixes." There were five sixes and ten fours from the former Australian star as the Hyderabad-based Chargers eliminated the tournament favourites.

It was the first time in five matches spread over two seasons that Deccan had been able to beat Delhi, who posted 153 for eight after being sent in.

That target soon looked easy as Gilchrist went on the rampage, hitting a 17-ball half-century, the fastest in the IPL's short history.

Deccan captain Gilchrist, who had not played cricket in almost a year since the 2008 IPL, said batting was "a bit like riding a bike, you don't forget what you have to do, but it's been a great experience to come back after a year off".

Gilchrist paid tribute to his bowlers and fielders for keeping the pressure on Delhi.