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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Kings XI Punjab Innings: Batting first, KXIP had a challenging start, losing early wickets and managing only 32 runs in the Powerplay, their lowest of the season. Virender Sehwag fell early to Umesh Yadav, and captain George Bailey's promotion to No. 3 was short-lived. By the halfway mark, KXIP had only 58 runs on the board. However, Wriddhiman Saha and Manan Vohra orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Saha scored a brilliant 115 not out off 55 balls, the first century in an IPL final, and Vohra contributed 67 runs. Their partnership added 129 runs in just 12 overs, propelling KXIP to a formidable total of 199 for 4 in 20 overs.
Kolkata Knight Riders Innings: Chasing 200, KKR started strongly with Manish Pandey anchoring the innings. Despite losing Robin Uthappa early, Pandey’s aggressive 94 off 50 balls kept KKR in the hunt. He was well-supported by Gautam Gambhir and later by Yusuf Pathan, who added crucial runs. Pandey’s dismissal in the 18th over made the chase tense, but Piyush Chawla’s six and four off consecutive balls in the final overs sealed a memorable three-wicket victory for KKR with three balls to spare.
Key Moments:
Wriddhiman Saha’s Century: Saha’s unbeaten century was a standout performance, marked by aggressive and innovative shots. His partnership with Vohra was instrumental in setting a challenging target for KKR.
Manish Pandey’s Heroics: Pandey’s 94 was a match-winning innings filled with powerful strokes and smart batting. His ability to keep the required run rate in check was crucial to KKR’s successful chase.
Piyush Chawla’s Finishing Touches: Chawla’s six off Mitchell Johnson and a boundary off Parwinder Awana in the final over were critical in securing KKR’s win, demonstrating composure under pressure.
Top Performers of the Season:
Man of the Match: Manish Pandey was deservedly named Man of the Match for his 94 off 50 balls, a crucial knock in a high-stakes final.
Key Contributions: Wriddhiman Saha’s century and Manan Vohra’s supporting role were pivotal in KXIP’s innings, while KKR’s chase was shaped by Pandey’s brilliance and contributions from Pathan and Chawla.
Brief Scores:
- KXIP: 199/4 in 20 overs (Wriddhiman Saha 115*, Manan Vohra 67, Karanveer Singh 4/54)
- KKR: 200/7 in 19.3 overs (Manish Pandey 94, Yusuf Pathan 36, Akshar Patel 1/21)
Match Analysis:
- KXIP’s Middle and Late Overs Surge: Despite a slow start, KXIP’s explosive middle and late overs, particularly from Saha and Vohra, set a competitive target.
- KKR’s Steady and Calculated Chase: KKR maintained a steady scoring rate throughout their chase, ensuring they stayed close to the required run rate. Pandey’s aggressive yet controlled innings was key to keeping the momentum in KKR’s favor.
- Decisive Moments: The final overs, especially Chawla’s six and four, were decisive in tipping the scales in KKR’s favor.
The 2014 IPL final was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket, with both teams delivering stellar performances. KKR’s victory, led by Pandey’s exceptional batting, secured their second IPL title, while KXIP’s spirited campaign ended in a narrow and hard-fought defeat.
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