Delhi Daredevils nearly lost game against Perth, admits Mahela Jayawardene

They have inched closer to the semifinals with today's win but Delhi Daredevils skipper Mahela Jayawardene was not too happy with the way his players performed against Perth Scorchers.

 

Chasing a small target of 122, Delhi just about managed a narrow three-wicket win with three balls to spare.

 

Delhi had lost four batsmen at a score of 60 and had Virender Sehwag not scored a half-century and Ajit Agarkar not kept his cool in tight situation, they could have lost the match.

 

"We haven't played for a week. So good to get out and play a good game. We made a few mistakes, which nearly cost us the game. We didn't handle a few situations well. We will have a chat, but our bowlers and fielders did really well," Jayawardene said.

 

Agarkar played a crucial unbeaten cameo of 11 off seven balls to lead the side to finish line and the skipper was all praise for him. "Ajit batted really well, the experience showed," he said.

 

Jayawardene also did not forget to acknowledge the fight back of the Australian side.

 

"All credit to them, they fought really hard," he said.

 

Perth skipper Marcus North said they did not out enough runs on the board but his is happy with the fight.

 

"140 was where we needed to be. Looking at how it panned out, 140 looks like a good score. We had chances to get there, but we lost our way when we lost Shaun and Simon in the middle. Still a lot of pride to play for and get our first win up," he said.

 

Agarkar was adjudged Man of the Match for his all round show. He claimed two wickets for just 14 runs and then played a crucial knock.

 

Agarkar said it helps bowling in company of other fast bowlers in the side.

 

"It's a good thing following them because Irfan, Morkel and Umesh have been bowling really well," he said.

 

The all-rounder said Twenty20 was a tricky format and win was not certain.

 

"Some days it works for you in T20, some days it doesn't. As long as your ideas are right, you can hope for the best. Some times it is nice to get over the line the hard way. Hopefully we will win a few easy ones later," Agarkar said. (PTI)