Sehwag targets return to batting form

After leading the Delhi Daredevils on a smooth ride to the semi-finals, Virender Sehwag has set his sights on regaining his form with the bat.

Delhi have been at or near the top of the table for most of the tournament, but it has been a disappointing run for Sehwag. He has only managed 109 runs at 15.57 and struggled to an eight-ball 2 in the victory over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.

"We did not get to a good start as I and Gautam (Gambhir) got out early. But AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan batted really well to take us to 150," Sehwag was quoted as saying by PTI after the match. "Now I want to get among runs before the semi-finals. That would be great for the team."

de Villiers and Dilshan have been the backbone of Delhi's batting, rescuing the side from poor starts in several games. It was their 87-run partnership for the third wicket that revived Delhi after Munaf Patel had struck twice in an over to remove Gambhir and Sehwag.

In the penultimate over Munaf leaked 25 runs, the second most expensive of the tournament, which helped Delhi reach 150. Shane Warne, the Rajasthan captain, defended Munaf, who had been the hero in his side's thrilling win over Mumbai on Thursday. "Munaf bowled fantastic in the match against Mumbai. [Being hit for runs] can happen in Twenty20 cricket, it's part and parcel of the game."

He was more critical of the fielding effort and the lack of consistency in the batting. "We did not hold a few catches," he said. "But I thought if we got to a good start we would chase down 150. We did not do that and that has been happening all through the tournament."

Rajasthan now have to win their final league game against Kolkata Knight Riders to stay in contention for a place in the semi-finals.