IPL: Breathtaking Quinton de Kock overcomes might of Kohli, De Villiers and Watson

Quinton de Kock became the first centurion of IPL 9 on Sunday, his 51-ball 108 leading Delhi Daredevils in a seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Delhi Daredevils batsman Quinton De Kock raises his bat after a half-century in his team's win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League on Sunday. Manjunath Kiran / AFP / April 17Show more

Royal Challengers Bangalore 191/5 (20 overs)

Delhi Daredevils 192/3 (19.1 overs)

MA Chinnaswamy ground in Bangalore remains a batting paradise. The fans yesterday were treated to a range of attacking shots though the home side Royal Challengers Bangalore ended up on the losing side to Delhi Daredevils.

It took a breathtaking knock by Quinton de Kock to put in shade the combined might of Virat Kohli (79), AB de Villiers (55) and Shane Watson (33) and beat the hosts at their own game. The first centurion of IPL 9, De Kock hit 108 from 51 balls with the first 50 coming in just 21 balls, the second fastest in tournament history.

By the time he departed to a tame dismissal – a slight contact with his gloves to a slower one from Watson – Delhi were at the doorsteps of a cracking victory by six wickets.

In the run glut, Karun Nair’s contribution was no less significant with the batsman (52 not out) chipping in with six boundaries and a superb straight lofted six from the other end. Nair also ensured that a 134-run partnership for the fourth wicket reached its logical end.

“I have been waiting for a chance like this,” a delighted De Kock said at the presentation ceremony after being adjudged Man of the Match. “When Karun came, the plan was to build a partnership. We knew the boundary balls would come.”

Kohli conceded the defeat was “tough to swallow” and blamed his bowlers. “Delhi batted well. No one stepped up today with the ball. It happens in cricket.”

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