CUTTACK: Deccan Chargers defeated Pune Warriors by 13 runs to achieve their second victory from their nine matches in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL-2012) here at the Barabati Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a difficult target of 187, Pune Warriors could make 173 for five in the allotted 20 overs.
Their main scorers were Australian Steven Smith (47 not out), captain Sourav Ganguly (45) and Australia’s Michael Clarke (41).
Clarke, fresh from the tour of the West Indies where he led Australia in a 2-0 series win, was playing his first match in the IPL tournament.
Earlier, Deccan Chargers piled up a big total of 186 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs after their captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and decided to bat first.
Leading from the front, Sri Lankan Sangakkara top scored with 82 from 52 balls with ten fours and two sixes whereas Australian Cameron White made 74 off 45 balls with four boundaries and as many sixes.
Both added 157 – a new IPL record for the third wicket partnership, eclipsing 152 runs between M Vijay and Albie Morkel for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals at Chennai in 2010.
Geo Super televised this match live from Cuttack for cricket lovers in Pakistan.