Shane Warne has moved to the top of the Indian Premier League wicket-taking charts, claiming three scalps to guide the Rajasthan Royals to a 65-run win over Bangalore in Jaipur.
The legendary Australian legspinner's 3-23 off four overs took his tally to 14 wickets in 10 matches, while helping restrict Bangalore to 9-132 off 20 overs chasing Rajasthan's handy 1-197.
Queensland's Shane Watson continued his phenomenal form in the lucrative tournament, smashing an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls for the Royals, though his innings proved more of a support role to man of the match Graeme Smith's 75 not out off 49 balls.
India stalwart Rahul Dravid, much-maligned for his slow scoring in Test cricket, hammered six sixes and six fours in a 36-ball 75 not out to lead Bangalore but he had little support.
Victoria captain Cameron White was quiet for Bangalore, scoring 10 off 16 deliveries, while not being called upon with the ball.
In today's other match, Queensland allrounder James Hopes claimed 2-2 in a stunning one-over spell as Kings XI Punjab defeated Delhi Daredevils by six-runs in Delhi.
The Daredevils batted first and rocketed to 4-118 off 11 overs thanks to an explosive, unbeaten 51 off 26 balls from India opener Virender Sehwag before rain stopped play.
The match was reduced to 11 overs a side and West Australian Luke Pomersbach scored a quickfire 25 not out off 12 balls in the chase, sharing an unbroken 63-run partnership with Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene (36no off 17).
When the rain came again and eventually brought an end to the match, Kings XI were 3-94 off eight overs and ahead of the required run-rate under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Interestingly, Jayawardene hit a six over mid-on off the last ball before the final stoppage which ultimately proved the difference.
Had it been a dot ball, the match would have ended in a tie.
Source : Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
