Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Deccan Chargers all-rounder Daniel Christian said the wicket of dangerous Delhi Daredevils opener David Warner was the turning point in their 16-run victory in Indian Premier League (IPL) here Tuesday.

Warner smashed a 48-ball 51 and kept his side in the hunt during the 168-run chase but fell to part-time spinner Shikhar Dhawan while attempting to pull.

“Warner’s wicket was a huge one. In Dhawan, we wanted someone to bowl off-spin that would go away. It was a lucky one and it worked,” Christian said.

Christian also praised the Kotla wicket.

“That was a really good wicket. We decided to be patient hoping that Sehwag will make a mistake.

“Our plan was to take the pace off the ball. When the Delhi guys bowled late it was really difficult to score. Taking the pace off the ball was the plan and also the reason why Ishant Sharma had to sit out.

Christian said the Chargers are finally gelling as a unit and this is showing in their performance.

“We are starting to do a lot of our disciplines lot better. Now we built some really good partnerships with the bat which we have not been able to do. We bowled well, our fielding is improving with every game,” he said.

He also praised the performance of Man of the Match Sunny Sohal, who smashed 62 off 41 balls.

“That was a brilliant innings. He looked good in the last innings as well. He paced his innings well and later with (Kumar) Sangakkara set us up for a big total.”

Asked whether it is the home pressure that Chargers’ get better performance away from home, Christian said: “I think we have got a brilliant team. We just had one win in Hyderabad. We have two of the best fast bowlers in Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma and it’s the quickest wickets in the country. The more we play the better we will get definitely.”