Skipper Gambhir’s half-century takes Daredevils to top

A half-century from stand-in skipper Gautam Gambhir led Delhi Daredevils to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table with a nine-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday.

Gambhir’s measured innings of 71 not out eased Delhi to their target of 155 with one over to spare, although he did enjoy some luck after being dropped by Kolkata captain Brendon McCullum on 21 and was given not out after being caught behind just short of his half-century.

David Warner’s quickfire innings of 36 from 23 deliveries got the Daredevils off to a flying start and eased the pressure on his team-mates, allowing Gambhir and Tillakaratne Dilshan (42 not out) to ride home.

It was Kolkata’s seventh loss from nine matches. The defeat leaves Kolkata rooted to the bottom of the table with just three points.

■ENGLAND V WINDIES

REUTERS, LONDON

Jerome Taylor struck an early blow for the West Indies on the opening day of the first test against England yesterday by dismissing captain Andrew Strauss for 16.

The fast bowler, who destroyed the England batting in the first test in his native Jamaica this year, caught the outside edge and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdan gathered the catch expertly low to his left.

Otherwise, England successfully negotiated some testing overs from the West Indies’ pace attack to reach 88 for one at lunch after Chris Gayle had won the toss and opted to field on a sunny, warm morning.