Reetinder Sodhi's fiery unbeaten half century went in vain as Ahmedabad Rockets fell short of their target by 13 runs and lost their Indian Cricket League encounter against Delhi Giants on Sunday.

Rockets, chasing 168 to win, could manage 154 for nine in their stipulated 20 overs quota.

Sodhi sparkled with his 25-ball knock of 51, studded with four sixes and three boundaries but could not find an able ally at the other end.

The last five batsmen added just seven runs to the total.

TP Sudhindra was the pick of the bowlers for the winners claiming three wickets at the cost of 33 runs. Shane Bond and J P Yadav claimed two wickets each.

Rockets' chase began on a disastrous note when opener and stumper R Campbell started his walk back to the pavilion in the very first over.

Sudhindra had him caught by Bond on the fifth ball of the innings for a duck.

The other opener Damien Martin too departed soon leaving Rockets struggling at two for 17.

P Aziz then revived the innings with a sensible 48-run knock and shared a crucial 40 runs partnership for the third wicket with Murray Goodwin (12).

For the victorious Delhi team, wicket-keepr Paul Nixon top scored with 43 runs. Other contributors were S Abbas Ali (25) and A Bali (35).

Heath Streak was the most succesful bowler for the Rockets, claiming three wickets while Jason Gillespie accounred for two batsmen.