Losing quick wickets led to our downfall: Karthik

Delhi Daredevils skipper Dinesh Karthik said losing quick wickets in the middle overs proved to be his team's undoing in their five wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here Friday.

Delhi at one stage were cruising to 101 for one, but were suddenly reduced to 107 for four after Muttiah Murlitharan and R. Ashwin struck in successive overs.

"We lost too many wickets at a short span. We definitely have areas to improve. Chennai Super Kings batted and bowled very well to take he match away from us," said Karthik, who was leading the side in the absence of an injured Gautam Gambhir.

Later, Matthew Hayden, using the mongoose bat for the first time, smashed 93 off 43 balls giving no chance to Daredevils of a fightback.

Karthik said they fancied their chances after Hayden's dismissal but were at least 10 runs short.

"When Hayden got out, we thought we had a chance to comeback in the match but we needed another 10 runs," Karthik said.

Asked whether the recent losses have broken the team's momentum, Karthik said: "I don't think so. Every match is a new match. Yes, this for the first time we have faced early losses but there are still 10 more matches to go and we are sure we will make a comeback."

Karthik also backed an out-of-form Tillakaratne Dilshan and said the team needs him.

"Dilshan has been named the cricketer of the year. I am sure he will come good in the coming days."

The wicketkeeper also praised young fast bowler Umesh Yadav. "Umesh is good. He has the extra pace to beat the batsmen."

Super Kings' stand-in skipper Suresh Raina admitted that power hitting by Hayden turned the match in their favour.

"The way Haydos (Matthew Hayden) dominated the bowlers, it swung the match in our favour," said Raina.

"We have played well after the loss in the first match and hope to continue the winning momentum."