Gambhir trumps Bopara for Delhi

The Punjab innings was propped up by Ravi Bopara, who scored 56 out of their insufficient total of 142 in Mohali

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Gautam Gambhir began his Delhi Daredevils captaincy in the Indian Premier League on a winning note, smacking a half-century to spearhead their five-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab in Mohali.

Put in to bat, Punjab lost wickets in a flurry at the top of the order, but Ravi Bopara boosted the total with a commanding performance, the England batsman making 56 in a modest total of 142 for nine.

Bopara and Irfan Pathan lifted the home side with a 60-run stand for the fifth wicket, Bopara reaching his half-century off 41 deliveries in the process.

The Daredevils' chase faltered at the start, but Gambhir made an imperious 72 and Mithun Manhas struck an unbeaten 31 to power them to victory.

Sreesanth, who shared the new ball with Irfan, removed both Virender Sehwag and Tillakaratne Dilshan in his first over, while AB de Villiers was run out for seven.

Nevertheless, India opener Gambhir played a steady hand, reaching his half-century off 40 deliveries.

He fell in the final over and with only three runs needed for victory, but Manhas struck the winning four with a ball to spare.