Lions knock out Delhi from Champions League

Recalled England batsman Kevin Pietersen finally clicked at the Champions League Twenty20 tournament Thursday, but could not prevent Delhi Daredevils making a semi-finals exit. Pietersen struck 50 runs off 44 balls against the South African Highveld Lions at a cold and windy Kingsmead in this Indian Ocean port after meagre contributions of 14 and nine in previous innings at the rain-hit event. Lions made 139-5 after being put in to bat and Delhi responded with 117-9 after a seven-runs-an-over chase fell behind the target after just six overs and never caught up. While Pietersen remained at the crease there was an increasingly slim hope, and that disappeared after 16.1 overs when he top edged a ball to short fine leg and wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile scampered to take the catch.