 Gilchrist destroys Mumbai Indians with fastest IPL hundred
28th Apr 2008 07:00 IST
Agencies
Adam Gilchrist slammed 10 sixes and nine fours in a cavalier unbeaten knock of 109 to power Deccan Chargers to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians to break their duck in their Indian Premier League in Mumbai Sunday night.
The left-handed Gilchrist looked in splendid form and carted the bowlers all around the park to delight the capacity crowd of 55,000 at the D Y Patil Stadium while powering his way to a record-setting 42-ball 100.
He remained unbeaten after facing 47 balls, to hold complete sway over the home attack that looked clueless on how to stop the rampage.
At the other end was captain VVS Laxman, with an attractive 37 not out as the duo piloted their team to their first win in four ties.
Deccan Chargers achieved the target of 155 without any loss in only 12 overs.
The blitzkrieg by the retired Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, who bettered his compatriot and teammate Andrew Symonds' 47-ball hundred against Rajasthan Royals, made short work of the target and helped the Hyderabad team break its victory drought after three straight losses.
Gilchrist took full advantage of a wayward spell from Ashish Nehra and got into the groove with customary ?n, later slamming all the bowlers with splendid pull and cut shots.
After belting discarded left-arm pacer Nehra, Gilchrist punished Shaun Pollock, who led the home team, by whipping the former South African all-rounder for three sixes and a four in the latter's second spell.
The 50 was raised in 31 balls and Gilchrist, whose previous highest for the Hyderabad franchise team was 23, reached his own in spectacular style by carting Pollock for a six over long leg.
He then raced to his second 50 in only 14 balls by carting Abhishek Nayar for three sixes in an over and then continued in the same vein to pilot his team to a resounding victory and hand the hosts their fourth defeat in as many ties.
At the other end, Laxman was all wristy elegance and the duo helped seal an easy victory, their first after three defeats, for their side.
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