The Indian Premier League made India proud. The Champions League Twenty20 was tipped to make the nation prouder. It sure has, but not in every respect.
The Indian Premier League made India proud. The Champions League Twenty20 was tipped to make the nation prouder. It sure has, but not in every respect. The ‘Club World Cup’ has gotten off to the worst possible start for the IPL teams.
First, Anil Kumble’s Royal Challengers Bangalore went down to Cape Cobras in the opener. Then a listless Delhi Daredevils were ambushed by the Victorians.
And on Saturday, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here, it was the turn of Deccan Chargers to complete the sequence. The home side made 153 for 9 and then failed to defend it under lights despite being in the driver’s seat for most part of the game.
The match had all the ingredients of a potboiler with frequent drizzles and even a last-ball drama. With nine down and one run needed, Somerset Sabres’s Alfonso Thomas made room and hit Scott Styris over the infield to the cover boundary.
Thomas ended with a swashbuckling 30 off 17 balls and an unlikely topscorer given that he batted at No. 9 after his team was reeling at 49 for six. With five needed off the last over and Hildreth on strike, the seasoned Styris castled the right-hander. Tailender Max Waller had to deal with a short ball first up, and all he could do was a take a blow on the elbow.
Five needed from four with two wickets in hand and Styris induced a mishit from Waller to gleefully accept a steepler. The next ball, however, will give the New Zealender many sleepless nights. The right-armer bowled a juicy full-toss and Thomas smacked it to the point boundary.
One needed off two and a dot ball only made matters worse for Justin Langer’s nails! Amid all this, Thomas held his nerve and saw his team to a thrilling win with a cut over point.
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