The defending champions had to win their last five games to make it to the semi-finals and against all expectations, they made it to the last four. It was a virtual quarter-final against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi on Sunday and it was Deccan, who thrived under pressure to register an important 11-run victory.
A quickfire half-century by Sunny Sohal and an equally useful knock of 49 from captain Kumar Sangakkara helped Deccan Chargers register a 16-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match, at the Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi, on Tuesday.
Gautam Gambhir rose to the occasion in fine style, scoring a match-winning half-century to guide Delhi Daredevils to a six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings, on Thursday.
So often, Paul Collingwood has proved to be the crisis man for England and now he is doing the same for Delhi Daredevils.
Dinesh Karthik starred with the bat as Delhi Daredevils scored an emphatic 67-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League match at the Ferozshah Kotla, in Delhi, on Wednesday.
David Warner once again showed why is regarded as the most dangerous batsman in the Twenty20 format. The Australian left-hander smashed 107 from a mere 69 balls, having hit nine boundaries and five sixes, to lift Delhi Daredevils to a crushing 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in Delhi, on Monday.
Andrew Symonds was once again the star performer for Deccan Chargers as they beat Delhi Daredevils by 10 runs in the Indian Premier League at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack, on Sunday. Symonds took three for 21 in his four overs, including two wickets in his final over, to follow up on the brisk 35 from 24 balls he made with the bat.
The former Australia batting ace put the Delhi Daredevils bowlers to the sword in a breathtaking 43-ball show of 93 runs to power Chennai Super Kings to a thrilling five-wicket victory. After Virender Sehwag's blazing 38-ball 74 for the Delhi side, the Australian left-hander held centre stage, slamming nine fours and seven sixes to lay a strong foundation for the Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians put up the highest total in IPL-3 before scoring a comprehensive 98-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in their second match. It took them to top place in the standings.
It seems captaincy has added another facet to Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir led from the front to lead Delho Daredevils to victory.
A look at the fixtures of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
Ricky Ponting, on Sunday, heaped praise on the Indian players, especially Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer
Royal Challengers Bangalore thrashed Delhi Daredevils by eight wickets in Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to ensure there is no Indian presence in the semi-finals of the inaugural Champions League Twenty20.
Ajinkya Rahane continued his sparkling form as he struck a 54-ball unbeaten 91 to help Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Daredevils by 14 runs and bounce back from a five-match winless streak in the IPL.
A super-eight berth at stake, Australia's Victoria Bushrangers and Sri Lanka's Wayamba Elevens take on each other in the must-win final group D match of the Champions League Twenty20 cricket tournament in New Delhi.
New South Wales captain Simon Katich is surprised by the dismal start that IPL teams have made to the Champions League but reckons that Indian teams will bounce back soon in the ongoing Twenty20 event.
After the first 43 matches of IPL's second season, Matthew Hayden already looks poised to become this year's most valuable player, especially because Chennai Super Kings seem quite certain of entering the semi-finals. Only an injury can halt Hayden's successful march.
Struggling with three pull-outs within one week, Delhi Daredevils would seek to capitalise on the experience of legendary Australian paceman Glenn McGrath when they take on Victoria in their opening Champions League Twenty20 match in New Delhi on Friday.