23 May 2009

Gilchrist blasts Deccan to shock win

7:25 am on 23 May 2009

The former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist's quick-fire 85 has led the Deccan Chargers to the final of the Indian Premier League cricket competition in South Africa.

The Chargers beat the Delhi Daredevils for the first time, by six wickets, in the semi-final at Centurion Park.

Gilchrist blasted a 17-ball half-century to lead Deccan to the shock win, finishing with 85 off 35 balls including five sixes and 10 fours, as the Hyderabad-based Chargers stormed to a six-wicket victory against the tournament favourites with two overs and two balls to spare.

It was the first time in five matches that Deccan had been able to beat Delhi, who posted 153 for eight after losing the toss.

Delhi left New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori out of the match-day squad.

The other semi-final features the Bangalore Royal Challengers, the team of Black Caps Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder, and the Chennai Super Kings at Johannesburg.