Bangalore lose second game in a row

A man-of-the-match performance from captain Adam Gilchrist guided the Deccan Chargers to a 24-run win over the Bangalore Royal Challengers in an Indian Premier League match at Newlands on Wednesday.

Deccan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, scored 184-6 off of its 20 overs.

Gilchrist, opening the batting, struck a blistering 71 runs off just 45 balls - including six fours and five sixes. Rohit Sharma was the next highest scorer for Deccan, scoring 52 off 30, also belting five sixes.

In reply, Bangalore made a valiant effort after losing its first three wickets for just 38 runs, but finished on 160-8.

Scott Styris was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-32 off his four overs for Deccan, while RP Singh took 2-17.

Earlier, Bangalore captain Kevin Pietersen made an impression with the ball, taking 2-31, but had another disappointing performance with the bat, stumped off the bowling of Pragyan Ojha by Gilchrist for just 11 runs.

Virat Kohli top-scored for Bangalore with 50 off 32 deliveries. The next highest scorer for Bangalore was Rahul Dravid who made a fighting 48. With that performance Dravid now gains back the Orange Cap – which he had briefly conceded to Chennai Super Kings’ Matthew Hayden - for becoming the highest run-getter in the tournament.

This is Bangalore’s second loss of the tournament after it began its IPL campaign well by defeating last year’s winners Rajasthan Royals on the opening day of the tournament.

The Deccan Chargers - who finished eighth last year - have begun their 2009 IPL season on a good note by winning both their opening games of the tournament.

Today’s matches will see Chennai Super Kings taking on Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Rajasthan Royals.