Symonds on song again

Trust Andrew Symonds to come up with the extraordinary when in need.

A few days ago, Deccan Chargers were in danger of collapsing for a small total in their match against Kings XI, but the former Aussie all-rounder came to the team's rescue with a superb 53, inclusive of three boundaries and as many sixes in his 38-ball knock.

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Then, when the Kings batted, he took one for 22 in four overs and two catches, as Punjab were restricted to 164 in their 20 overs in reply to Deccan Chargers' 170 for 7.

It was a similar scenario on Sunday against Delhi Daredevils.

First, when Chargers batted, he scored 35 from 24 balls. Then he chipped in with three vital wickets for 21 runs just when the match looked like running away from them.

Delhi needed 41 from the last four overs but Symonds made Delhi's task difficult as he conceded just four runs in his third over, while taking the wicket of Moises Henriques for 11.

He then turned the game on its head, claiming two wickets in his final over, while giving away just six runs.

Symonds's first delivery was hit for a boundary by Dinesh Karthik through the third man region. But it was the Australian who had the last laugh when he came up with a brilliant catch off his bowling to send back Karthik after his cracking innings of 46 from 27 balls.

Amit Mishra was caught behind off the first ball he faced and Symonds finished with three for 21 in four overs, to leave Delhi 14 to get from the last over.

Vaas got off to the desired start in the final over when he bowled Yogesh Nagar with a full delivery for 1. Off the very next delivery Sarabjit Ladda was run-out for a duck by a direct hit from Vaas at the non-striker's end.

Delhi Daredevils finished on 161 for nine in their 20 overs and lost the match by 10 runs. It was not surprising that Symonds was named the man of the match. The roar from the crowd at the Barabati stadium said it all.

Photograph: Getty Images