Zaheer first to scalp 50 in IPL powerplay

Former India pace spearhead and Delhi Daredevils skipper Zaheer Khan became the first bowler to take 50 wickets in the powerplay stage of the Indian Premier League.

The left-arm pacer, who has represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore apart from Delhi Daredevils has taken 99 wickets in the league at an average of 26.12. He has played 93 matches.

Zaheer entered this tournament without having played any cricket over the last year. He last played competeitive cricket exactly a year ago during the IPL itself.

Ahead of this season, he had said that he had been practicing and had been timing his preparation well.

In this year’s edition, he has already taken seven wickets in four matches, with the best of 3 for 20 against Rising Pune Supergiant.

On Monday, he was on the money, getting rid of Colin de Grandhomme early. The New Zealander had opened the innings but misread a short of length delivery from Zaheer, who had rolled his fingers across the seam to deceive the batsman. De Grandhomme couldn’t manage the pull and was out caught at deep square leg.

Soon he got rid of KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir who tried to run down the wicket to smash him.

Zaheer saw him charging and sent out a delivery that moved a bit away from him. Gambhir could only hit it in the air and was caught.

The 38-year-old bowler, who has been affected by injuries, doesn’t have the pace but he has the guile and can still out-think the batsmen.

AHEAD OF THIS SEASON, HE HAD SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN PRACTICING AND HAD BEEN TIMING HIS PREPARATION WELL