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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Chennai Super Kings Innings: CSK batted first and posted a challenging total of 190 for 3 in their 20 overs. Michael Hussey (54), Murali Vijay (42), and Suresh Raina (73) were the key contributors. Hussey and Vijay provided a solid start with an 87-run partnership, laying a strong foundation. Raina then played a blistering knock, hitting 73 off 38 balls, propelling CSK to a formidable score.
Kolkata Knight Riders Innings: Chasing 191, KKR faced an early setback with the dismissal of their captain, Gautam Gambhir, for a duck. However, Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis took control of the chase. Bisla played a sensational innings, scoring 89 off 48 balls, while Kallis provided stability with a crucial 69 off 49 balls. Despite a few hiccups towards the end, KKR managed to reach the target with two balls to spare, thanks to Manoj Tiwary’s calm finish.
Key Moments:
CSK's Dominant Batting: Hussey and Vijay's opening stand of 87 runs gave CSK a strong start. Raina's aggressive innings, which included several sixes, particularly against Sunil Narine, further boosted their total. Despite the onslaught, KKR’s fielding remained sharp, highlighted by Shakib Al Hasan's outstanding catch.
Bisla’s Brilliance: Manvinder Bisla, a relatively unknown player, stole the show with his aggressive batting. His ability to find gaps and hit big shots, particularly against Albie Morkel and R Ashwin, put KKR in a commanding position. His 89-run knock included several lofted drives and powerful hits over the boundary.
Kallis' Composure: Jacques Kallis played the anchor role perfectly, rotating the strike and hitting timely boundaries. His calm demeanor and experience were crucial in ensuring KKR stayed on track during the chase. His key boundaries and the lofted drive that bisected extra cover and long-off were standout moments.
Late Drama: Despite Bisla’s dismissal, Kallis continued to guide KKR. However, his departure in the 19th over added tension. Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary handled the pressure well, with Tiwary hitting the winning runs with two boundaries in the final over.
Turning Points:
Bisla's Assault on Morkel: Bisla’s four consecutive boundaries off Albie Morkel in the fourth over set the tone for KKR’s chase. This aggressive start was crucial in keeping up with the required run rate.
Bisla’s Dismissal: Even though Bisla was dismissed for 89, his innings had already set a solid foundation. His departure brought some nervous moments, but Kallis’ experience ensured KKR stayed in the hunt.
Hilfenhaus’ No-Ball: Ben Hilfenhaus bowled a crucial no-ball in the penultimate over, which was followed by a full toss that Shakib scooped for four. This over was pivotal in shifting the momentum back in KKR’s favor.
Conclusion: The IPL final between KKR and CSK was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket. Manvinder Bisla’s unexpected heroics and Jacques Kallis' steadying influence were key in KKR’s successful chase of a daunting target. Despite CSK’s strong batting performance and early wicket, KKR’s resilience and Bisla’s brilliance led them to their first IPL title, ending CSK’s dominance and marking a historic win for Kolkata Knight Riders.
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