DURBAN, (Reuters) – A half-century by Herschelle Gibbs and Pragyan Ojha’s three wickets helped Indian Premier League (IPL) leaders Deccan Chargers record a 12-run win over the Mumbai Indians yesterday.

The day’s other match between the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in Cape Town was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.

Gibbs struck 58 off 44 balls as the Chargers posted 168 for nine before left-arm spinner Ojha claimed three for 21 to restrict Mumbai to 156 for seven in Durban.

It was the third victory in three matches for Deccan, who are now two points clear at the top of the table.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Chargers came out wearing armbands in support of captain Adam Gilchrist on ANZAC Day, Australia’s official veterans’ day.

The show of solidarity galvanized Gilchrist as he and South African Gibbs belted 63 runs off 44 balls for the first wicket before the Australian was caught behind for 35.

MAIDEN FIFTY

Gibbs and Dwayne Smith then added 61 for the second wicket, the latter hitting 35 in 22 balls while the former collected his maiden IPL half-century before being run out.

The Chargers were then pegged back by Dwayne Bravo and Lasith Malinga who took three wickets apiece.

Despite losing a wicket in the second over of the reply, Mumbai’s run-chase began well with Sachin Tendulkar and JP Duminy putting on 82 for the second wicket off 60 balls.

Ojha then accounted for both batsmen, Tendulkar for 39 and Duminy for 47 as Mumbai fell behind the run-rate.

The Indians began the 18th over needing 26 to win off 12 balls but wickets from left-arm seamer RP Singh and fast bowler Fidel Edwards ended their hopes.