Hyderabad, May 21:
Magnificent death bowling saw Mumbai Indians snatch an incredible one-run victory from the jaws of defeat against Rising Pune Supergiants in a thrilling grand finale of the Indian Premier League, here tonight.
This was Mumbai Indians’ third IPL trophy in 10 editions and more special for their skipper Rohit Sharma, who is the only captain to win a hat-trick of titles. Rohit has in fact won four IPL titles (one for Deccan Chargers in 2009).
For Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it was yet another final that ended in a defeat — fifth in seven summit clashes.
In one of the closest finals during the 10 editions, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah (2/26 in 4 overs), Mitchell Johnson (3/26 in 4 overs) and Lasith Malinga (0/21 in 4 overs) were brilliant at the death defending a lowly total of 129/8 as Supergiant were restricted to 128 for 6 at the end.
It was Johnson, who kept his nerve during the final over where 11 runs were needed. Manoj Tiwary smacked the first one to mid-wicket boundary bringing the eqaution down to 7 from 5 balls.
However the next two deliveries turned out to be disaster with both Tiwary and skipper Steve Smith (51, 50 balls) were caught in the deep.
With four required off final ball and 3 for a Super Over, Dan Christian went for an impossible 3rd run only to be run out as Mumbai players celebrated like never before.
Credit should also be given to Bumrah and Malinga for giving away only 10 runs between them in the 17th and 18th over which suddenly increased the pressure.
While the target was an easy one, it turned out to be tricky with 47 needed off the last five overs.
With Mahendra Singh Dhoni (10) at the crease in company of Smith, the Krunal Pandya over yielded 14 runs. Dhoni square cut Krunal and then Smith played a reverse pull for a six to get 14 runs off the over.
But death overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah bowled a fuller delivery inducing a thickish edge from Dhoni to bring some cheer back in the MI camp.
At the onset, Rahul Tripathi (3) got a debatable leg before decision off Bumrah’s bowling but Ajinkya Rahane (44, 38 balls) and skipper Smith added 54 runs for the second wicket.
Krunal dropped a dolly at cover when Rahane, who was on 14, drove a Malinga delivery uppishly.
Since it was a small target, Rahane and Smith didn’t take any undue risk during their stand that lasted 9.3 overs.
Rahane hit some crisp shots including a cover drive off Lasith Malinga and one off Krunal.(PTI)
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