18th April 2009 - Newsland, Cape Town: The second season of the DLF Indian Premier League kicked off with the double-header in Newlands. Sadly, both – last year’s Champions and Runners-up came up at the loosing end in their respective run chases; Chennai falling prey to Mumbai.

In the second encounter, the Royals too were asked to field by Bangalore’s newly appointed skipper Kevin Pieterson. The move seemed to have backfired, as Dimitri Mascarenhas snapped up 2-wickets in 2-deliveries. Uthappa also fell to Mascarenhas and Banglore seemed to be struggling at 17/3 at the end of 5 overs. Pietersen was the next to go, but not before he had a useful partnership with Rahul Dravid.

Thereafter, no one showed much resilience as wickets fell at regular intervals. But Dravid held the innings at the other end and showed his class act with a brilliant 66 off 48; an effort that deservedly fetched him the man-of-the-match award. On the other hand, Warne proved to be too much for the Kohli and Akhil, bowling both of them out.

Warne was apprehensive chasing under the lights and the target of 133 seemed a very fighting total under the lights. His fears came true as the batsmen struggled to make any impression and were bundled out for 58. Kumble ended with very impressive figures of 5/5, though the damage had already been done by Praveen Kumar and Jesse Ryder.

Warne said that it was disappointing and embarrassing, even though Bangalore bowled very well, and that they should still have won despite the conditions. Warne has promised to work on this, especially at the top order, and vowed to come back stronger. The Royals take on Mumbai Indians, next on 21st April.