Match 59: Final: Rajasthan Roayls Win the First IPL!

Rajasthan Royals win the last ball thriller and clinched the first IPL trophy by 3 wickets! The last over required 8 runs and the last ball required 1 run which Sohail Tanvir scored by puling it between mid wicket and mid on.

Click here to read the Ball-by-Ball Commentary

Match 59 - Final

Venue: Mumbai

Date: June 1, 2008

Teams: Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals

Captains: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shane Warne

Toss: Rajasthan Royals and decided to field

Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets with 0 balls remaining

Man of the Match: Yousuf Pathan off Rajasthan Royals (India)

Score:

Chennai Super Kings 163 for 5 in 20 overs (PA Patel 38, S Vidyut 16, SK Raina 43, JA Morkel 16, MS Dhoni 29 not out, CK Kapugedera 8, S Badrinath 6 not out, Extras-7 (b 1, leg bye 2, wide 3, no ball 1), Sohail Tanvir 4-0-40-1, SR Watson 4-0-29-1, MM Patel 2-0-14-0, YK Pathan 4-0-22-3, SK Trivedi 2-0-21-0, SK Warne 4-0-34-0) lost to Rajasthan Royals 164 for 7 in 20 overs (NK Patel 2, SA Asnodkar 28, Kamran Akmal 6, SR Watson 28, YK Pathan 56, M Kaif 12, RA Jadeda 0, SK Warne 9 not out, Sohail Tanvir 9 not out, Extras-14 (b 1, leg bye 6, wide 5, no ball 2), M Ntini 4-1-21-0, M Gony 4-0-30-1, JA Morkel 4-0-25-2, L Balaji 4-0-42-0, M Muralitharan 4-0-39-2)

IPL Final: LIVE COMMENTARY AND SCORES: RAJASTHAN WIN THE IPL IN LAST BALL!

Well, it was a perfect start for the final, yes, the closing ceremony was brilliant. Already a wonderful performance!

The news from the center is that, Rajasthan Royals have won the toss and asked Chennai Super Kings to bat first.

There is no change in the Chennai side and for Rajasthan Royals, Kamran Akmal comes in place of injured Greame Smith.

Squad:
Chennai Super Kings: PA Patel (Wicket Keeper), S Vidyut, SK Raina, MS Dhoni (captain), CK Kapugedera, S Badrinath, JA Morkel, M Gony, L Balaji, M Muralitharan, M Ntini

Rajasthan Royals: Kamran Akmal (Wicket Keeper), SA Asnodkar, YK Pathan, M Kaif, SR Watson, NK Patel, RA Jadeja, SK Warne (Captain), SK Trivedi, MM Patel, Sohail Tanvir

Commentary:

Over 1 :

0.1 Tanvir to Patel: No run - Big shout for LBW, pitched outside the line of off stump and swung away ; good decision by Bily;
0.2 Tanvir to Patel: wide: down the leg side; first run to Chennai Super Kings
0.2 Tanvir to Patel: No run: pitched outside the off stump and swung away; left to keeper
0.3 Tanvir to Patel: No run: pitched outside the off stump and swung away; left to keeper
0.4 Tanvir to Patel: No run: pitched up on the off stump, driven to point; couldn't place it in the gap
0.5 Tanvir to Patel: FOUR: pitched on the leg stump, flicked to fine leg boundary
0.6 Tanvir to Patel: One Run: pitched on the leg stump, flicked to fine leg, single
End of Over 1: 6 runs
Score: 6 for 0 (Patel 5 off 6 balls (1 x 4, 0 x 6), Vidyut 0 off 0 balls (0 x 4, 0 x 6)
------
Over 2:
1.1 Watson to Patel: No run: Pitched up, played uppish, straight to fielder at mid off
1.2 Watson to Patel: 1 run: Pitched on the leg, played to fine leg for a single
1.3 Watson to Vidyut: No run: Pitched on the, tapped it to cover; tries for a single, but Patel sends him back
1.4 Watson to Viyut: 1 run: short ball on the leg stump, pulls it in the air, bounces well before the fine leg fielder, goes for an easy single
1.5 Watson to Patel: No run: short ball on the leg stump, Patel ducks, straight to keeper
1.6 Watson to Patel: FOUR: pitched on the off, Patel goes over fielders head at covers for a boundary
End of Over 2: 6 runs
Score: 12 for 0 (Patel 10 off 10 balls (2 x 4, 0 x 6), Vidyut 1 off 2 balls (0 x 4, 0 x 6)
---
Over 3:
2.1 Patel to Vidyut: No run; plyaed to point
2.2 Patel to Vidut: 1 run: straight drive, single taken;
2.3 Patel to Patel: 1 run: played to point, single taken.
2.4 Patel to Vidyut: 1 run: came down the track and hit it to mid off, well fielde, saved boundary,
2.5 Patel to Patel: 1 run: played to third man for a single
2.6 Patel to Vidyut: No run: came down the pitch, tried to pull, went straight to bowler
End of Over 3: 4 runs
Score: 16 for 0 (Patel 12 off 12 balls (2 x 4, 0 x 6), Vidyut 3 off 6 balls (0 x 4, 0 x 6)
---
Over 4:
3.1 Watson to Patel: 1 leg bye: pitched on the leg stump, shout for leg before, batsman go for a single
3.2 Watson to Vidyut: No run: bouncer, tried to hook, misses it
3.3 Watson to Vidyut: FOUR: gives room and hits the short ball pitched on the off over cover boundary
3.4 Watson to Vidyut: No run: tries to cut the ball, takes inside edge, Kamal does a good stop
3.5 Watson to Vidyut: 2 runs: comes down the track, hits it over fielders head, but this time fielder is placed in the boundary; they for 1
3.6 Watson to Vidyut: SIX: gives room for himself, short ball pitched on the off stump, slashes it; takes the proper edge as it was played intentionally to third man and it clears the boundary by inches for the first six!
End of Over 4: 13 runs
Score: 29 for 0 (Patel 12 off 13 balls (2 x 4, 0 x 6), Vidyut 15 off 11 balls (1 x 4, 1 x 6)
--
Over 5:
4.1 Patel to Patel: 1 run: played to third man
4.2 Patel to Vidyut: 1 run: played to third man
4.3 Patel to Patel: FOUR: gives room, slashes it over third man boundary
4.4 Patel to Patel: No run: pitched up and plyaed with soft hand, tries for a single, Vidyut rightly says no
4.5 Patel to Patel: 2 runs: bowled on the leg stump, glanced it to fine leg, goes for quick 2
4.6 Patel to Patel: 2 runs: comes down the track, hits it over fielders head in mid on;
End of Over 5: 10 runs
Score: 39 for 0 (Patel 21 off 18 balls (3 x 4, 0 x 6), Vidyut 16 off 12 balls (1 x 4, 1 x 6)
---
Over 6:
5. 1 Pathan to Vidyut: No run: played to point
5. 2 Pathan to Vidyut: OUT: comes down the track, hits it in the air, Jadeja at mid wicket comes running forward and takes a good catch;
Vidyut (c) Jadeja (b) Pathan - 16 off 12 balls, 1 x 4, 1 x 6
5.3 Pathan to Patel: No run: Big shout of leg before, looks close, but umpire not convinced
5.4 Pathan to Patel: 1 run: short ball on leg stump, played it to mid wicket
5.5 Pathan to Raina: 1 run: off the mark, played to mid wicket
5.6 Pathan to Patel: 1 run: played with soft hand to mid wicket, runs the first faster, but decided to stay with one.
End of Over 6: 3 runs
Score: 42 for 1 (Patel 23 off 21 balls (3 x 4, 0 x 6), Raina 1 off 1 ball
---
Over 7:
6.1 Trivedi to Patel: 2 runs
6.2 Trivedi to Patel: FOUR: Comes down the track, hits it over mid on
6.3 Trivedi to Patel: 1 run: played it to square leg
6.4 Trivedi to Raina: 1 run: upper cut to third man
6.5 Trivedi to Patel: down the track, hit it hard to mid off, well fielded, Patel goes for a run but looking at the fielding by Pathan, comes back, almost chance for a run out, but he is back on time 6.6 Trivedi to Patel: 1 run: slashed to mid off
End of Over 7: 9 runs
Score: 51 for 1 (Patel 31 off 26 balls (4 x 4, 0 x 6), Raina 2 off 2 balls)
---
Over 8:
7.1 Warne to Patel: 1 run: swept to mid wicket
7.2 Warne to Raina: 1 run: played to long on
7.3 Warne to Patel: leg bye: tried to sweep, takes the edge and goes to third man
7.4 Warne to Raina: 1 run: short ball, did not utilize it well, played it to deep midwicket
7.5 Warne to Patel: 1 run: flighted delivery on the off, plays it across to deep mid wicket
7.6 Warne to Raina: 1 run: played it to long
End of Over 8: 6 runs
Score: 57 for 1 (Patel 33 off 29 balls (4 x 4, 0 x 6), Raina 5 off 5 balls)
---
Over 9:
8.1 Pathan to Raina: 1 run: played it to square leg
8.2 Pathan to Patel: No run: gives room, slashes it back to bowler
8.3 Pathan to Patel: 1 run: playes in the air to long off
8.4 Pathan to Raina: 1 run: tapped to square leg
8.5 Pathan to Patel: FOUR: Played it across and hits it between mid wicket and long on
8.6 Pathan to Patel: OUT: comes down but it takes the edge, Akmal takes it on second attempt, but Patel is coming back to crease seeing the fumble, appeal for caught behind and Patel walks by himself
Patel (c) Akmal (b) Pathan 38 off 33 balls (5 x 4)
End of Over 9: 7 runs
Score: 64 for 2 (Raina 7 off 7 balls)
---
Over 10:
9.1 Warne to Raina: No run
9.2 Warne to Raina:2 runs
9.4 Warne to Raina: SIX: hit it over mid wicket
9.5 Warne to Raina: 2 runs: short ball on the leg, pulls it to deep midwicket
9.6 Warne to Raina: 1 run: played to mid wicket
End of Over 10: 11 runs
Score: 75 for 2 (Raina 18 off 13 balls (1 x 6), Morkel 0 off 0 balls)
---
Over 11:
11.1 Pathan to Raina: 1 run
11.2 Pathan to Morkel: No run
11.3 Pathan to Morkel: No run
11.4 Pathan to Morkel: No run
11.5 Pathan to Morkel: No run
11.6 Pathan to Morkel: 1 run
End of Over 11: 2 runs
Score: 77 for 2 (Raina 19 off 14 balls (1 x 6), Morkel 1 off 5 balls)
----
Over 12:
11.1 Warne to Morkel: No run
11.2 Warne to Morkel: 1 run
11.3 Warne to Raina: 1 run
11.4 Warne to Morkel: SIX: Huge six over mid wicket
11.5 Warne to Morkel: No run, on the leg stump, not called a wide
11.6 Warne to Morkel: wide: on the leg stump, but this time it is called a wide
11.6 Warne to Morkel: 1 run: played to long off
End of Over 12: 10 runs
Score: 87 for 2 (Raina 20 off 15 balls (1 x 6), Morkel 9 off 10 balls (1 x 6))
---
Over 13:
12.1 Pathan to Morkel: 1 run
12.2 Pathan to Raina: 1 run
12.3 Pathan to Morkel: SIX: hit it over mid wicket, Watson tries to catch it, it is over his head, he tries with his one hand, it slips from his hand and goes over boundary
12.4 Pathan to Morkel: OUT: tries to pull, but takes the edge, goes in the air behind wicket keeper, Akmal, short third man and short fine leg come for the catch, Akmal takes it but rolls over the short third man fielder. Looks like somebody is injured; Pathan takes his third wicket.
Morkel (c) Akmal (b) Pathan 16 off 16 balls (2 x 6)
12.5 Pathan to Dhoni: 1 run: driven to long on, off the mark
12.6 Pathan to Raina: 1 run: played to mid off
End of Over 13: 10 runs
Score: 97 for 3 (Raina 22 off 17 balls (1 x 6), Dhoni 1 off 1 balls)
---
Over 14:
13.1 Trivedi to Raina: 2 run: played in the air over cover, Watson does a good job in cutting the boundary
13.2 Trivedi to Raina: 1 run: 100 for Chennai Super Kings
13.3 Trivedi to Dhoni: 1 run: played to mid off
13.4 Trivedi to Raina: SIX: short ball, he pulls it, went high in the air, thought someone would catch it, but it just goes over fielders head
13.5 Trivedi to Raina: No run: expects a bouncher, but it was a slower short ball, Raina ducks and realizes later that it was slower ball
13.6 Trivedi to Raina: Warne talks to Trivedi: 2 runs, chipped to long; Dhoni is quick and wanted to 2 and they take it easily.
End of Over 14: 12 runs
Score: 109 for 3 (Raina 31 off 21 balls (2 x 6), Dhoni 3 off 2 balls)
---
Over 15:
14.1 Warne to Dhoni: No run
14.2 Warne to Dhoni: No run
14.3 Warne to Dhoni: SIX: hits it over long on, good battle
14.4 Warne to Dhoni: 1 run: short ball, pulls it to mid wicket, straight to fielder
14.5 Warne to Raina: No run: played to extra cover
14.6 Warne to Raina: 1 run: played to long on, Dhoni wants 2, but Raina says no, good call.
End of Over 15: 8 runs
Score: 117 for 3 (Raina 32 off 23 balls (2 x 6), Dhoni 10 off 6 balls (1 x 6))
---
Over 16:
15.1 Tanvir to Raina: No run: slower ball
15.2 Tanvir to Raina: 2 runs: played straight to long off, Dhoni is quick and comes back on time
15.3 Tanvir to Raina: 2 runs: played to deep square leg
15.4 Tanvir to Raina: FOUR: straight driver, bisecting the long off and long on. Great short.
15.5 Tanvir to Raina: 1 run: played to extra cover
15.6 Tanvir to Dhoni: 1 run: short ball, pulled to deep mid wicket
End of Over 16: 10 runs
Score: 127 for 3 (Raina 43 off 27 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6), Dhoni 10 off 7 balls (1 x 6))
---
Over 17:
16.1 Watson to Dhoni: 1 run: pulled to mid wicket
16.2 Watson to Raina: we need some big overs here. OUT: He tries to clear long off boundary, but couldn't clear it, straight to fielder
Raina (c) Jadeja (b) Watson 43 off 30 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6)
16.3 Watson to Dhoni: 1 run
16.4 Watson to Kapugedera: No run: tries to cut to point, but is beaten, straight to keeper
16.5 Watson to Kapugedera: No run: played to cover
16.6 Watson to Kapugedera: 1 run
End of Over 17: 3 runs
Score: 130 for 3 Dhoni 12 off 9 balls (1 x 6)), Kapugedera 1 off 3 balls
---
Over 18:
17.1 Tanvir to Kapugedera: 1 run: slower ball, played across to mid wicket
17.2 Tanvir to Dhoni: 1 run
17.3 Tanvir to Kapugedera: 1 run; Warne should be happy with singles going and not boundaries
17.4 Tanvir to Dhoni: 1 run: full toos on the hip height, definite no ball, but not called
17.5 Tanvir to Kapugedera: 1 run: short ball, slower, played to long on
17.6 Tanvir to Dhoni: FOUR: full toss, again it was not called no ball, but Dhoni puts it between mid wicket and long on
End of Over 18: 9 runs
Score: 139 for 3 Dhoni 18 off 12 balls (1 x 4, 1 x 6)), Kapugedera 4 off 6 balls
---
Over 19:
18.1 Watson to Kapugedera: No run: good bouncher
18.2 Watson to Kapugedera: wide; tough call
18.2 Watson to Kapugedera: no ball: 2nd bouncer and hence called no ball
18.2 Watson to Kapugedera: 1 run: played to extra cover, yorker length
18.3 Watson to Dhoni: 1 bye: slower ball, Dhoni misses; bad bounce, fumble, they go for a single
18.4 Watson to Kapugedera: 2 runs: short ball, hits it over bowler, good fielding by Jadeja with one hand, just an inch before boundary
18.5 Watson to Kapugedera: 1 run: yorker lenght, tries to hit it, but takes the bottom of the bat and stays in the crease and they go for a single
18.6 Watson to Dhoni: 2 runs over cover
End of Over 19: 9 runs
Score: 148 for 4 (Dhoni 20 off 14 balls (1 x 4, 1 x 6)), Badrinath 8 off 11 balls
---
Over 20:
19.1 Tanvir to Kapugedera: OUT: Tries to hit it over long on, but was caught
Kapugedera: (c) Jadeja (b) Tanvir 8 off 12 balls
19.2 Tanvir to Dhoni: 2 runs: yorker length, Dhoni comes back for 2
19.3 Tanvir to Dhoni: SIX: slower ball, pickes it well and hits it over long on, huge six
19.4 Tanvir to Dhoni: 1 run: tries to slog, but goes straight to mid wicket
19.5 Tanvir to Badrinath: FOUR: straight drive, bisecting the diving long on and long off fielders, great short
19.6 Tanvir to Badrinath: 2 runs: full toss, plays across and tries to hit it over mid wicket, but it goes high in the air and lands safely and they run 2
End of Over 20: 15 runs
Score: 163 for 5 (Dhoni 29 off 17 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6)), Badrinath 6 off 2 balls (1 x 4))
---
Chennai Super Kings Score Board:
Parthiv Patel: (c) Akmal (b) Y Pathan 38 off 33 balls - 5 x 4
Vidyut: (c) Jadeja (b) Y Pathan 16 off 14 balls - 1 x 4, 1 x 6
Raina: (c) Jadeja (b) Watson 43 off 30 balls - 1 x 4, 2 x 6
Morkel: (c) Akmal (b) Y Pathan 16 off 16 balls - 2 x 6
Dhoni: 29 not out off 17 balls (1 x 4, 2 x 6)
CK Kapugedera: (c) Jadeja (b) Tanvir 8 off 12 balls
S Badrinath 6 not out off 2 balls (1 x 4)
Extras: (bye: 1, leg bye: 2, wide: 3, no ball: 1) 6
Total: 163 for 5 in 20 overs

Fall of Wickets:
1 - 39 (Vidyut - 5.2 oves); 2 - 64 (Patel - 8.6); 3 - 95 (Morkel - 12.4) 4 - 128 (Raina - 16.2); 5 - 148 (Badrinath - 19.1)

Score at the end of overs:
1 - 6 for no loss; 2 - 12 for no loss; 3 - 16 for no loss; 4 - 29 for no loss; 5 - 39 for no loss; 6 - 42 for 1; 7 - 51 for 1; 8 - 57 for 1; 9 - 64 for 2; 10 - 75 for 2; 11 - 77 for 2; 12 - 87 for 2; 13 - 97 for 3; 14 - 109 for 3; 15 - 117 for 3; 16 - 127 for 3; 17 - 130 for 4; 18 - 139 for 4; 19 - 148 for 4; 20 - 163 for 5

Bowling Figures:
Sohail Tanvir = 4 - 0 - 40 - 1
SR Watson = 4 - 0 - 30 - 1
MM Patel = 2 - 0 - 14 - 0
Y Pathan = 4 - 0 - 22 - 3
Trivedi = 2 - 0 - 21 - 0
Warne = 4 - 0 - 34 - 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTARY:

Over 1:
0.1 Ntini to N Patel: No run: bouncer, well directed
0.2 Ntini to N Patel: No run: played to point
0.3 Ntini to N Patel: No run: played to cover, Dhoni fielding it well
0.4 Ntini to N Patel: 1 run: played to third man
0.5 Ntini to Asnodkar: 1 run: played to square leg
0.6 Ntini to N Patel: No run: played to cover
End of Over 3: 2 runs
Score: 2 for 0 (N Patel 1 off 5 balls, Asnodkar 1 off 1 balls)
---
Over 2:
1.1 Gony to Asnodkar: No run: edge, straight to fielder in 2nd slip
1.2 Gony to Asnodkar: 2 runs: plays it across, tries to slog
1.3 Gony to Asnodkar: FOUR: short ball on the off stump, he cuts it over point in the air, just few inches away from point fielder Raina, lucky Asnodkar
1.4 Gony to Asnodkar: 1 run: played to Raina again, he dives to avoid the single, it goes from his hand they go for a single
1.5 Gony to N Patel: 1 run: tries to pull, but hits glove and roles within the crease and they go for quick single
1.6 Gony to Asnodkar: FOUR: played it to point, beats the diving Vidyut in the boundary
End of Over 2: 12 runs
Score: 14 for 0 (N Patel 2 off 6 balls, Asnodkar 12 off 6 balls)
-----
Over 3:
2.1 Ntini to N Patel: No run: tried to pull the short ball, but it was quick, hits him in somepart of the body
2.2 Ntini to N Patel: No run: he moves towards leg stump, but Ntini bowls on the off stump and it swings away, thought Billy would give it wide, but he didn't
2.3 Ntinit to N Patel: No run: against tries to pull, but hits him in some part of the body
2.4 Ntini to N Patel: 1 bye: he tries to slog, but it swings a lot, Parthiv misses inspite of a dive
2.5 Ntini to Asnodkar: FOUR leg bye:
2.6 Ntini to Asnokar: No run
End of Over 3: 5 runs
Score: 19 for 0 (N Patel 2 off 10 balls, Asnodkar 12 off 8 balls)
---
Over 4:
3.1 Gony to N Patel: OUT: tries to pull, but takes the inside edge and drags to stump
N Patel (b) Gony 2 off 11 balls
3.2 Gony to Akmal: 1 runs
3.3 Gony to Asnodkar: 2 runs
3.4 Gony to Asnodkar: FOUR: short ball, pulled to long on, over fielders head
3.5 Gony to Asnokdar: 1 run to third man
3.6 Gony to Akmal: No run
End of Over 4: 8 runs
Score: 27 for 1 (Asnodkar 19 off 11 balls - 3 x 4, Akmal 2 off 2 balls)
---
Over 5
4.1 Ntini to Asnodkar: No run
4.2 Ntini to Asnodkar: FOUR: pitched up, tries to hit it over long on, but it goes over cover
4.3 Ntini to Asnodkar: 1 run, over point to third man
4.4 Ntini to Akmal: No run:
4.5 Ntini to Akmal: FOUR: tries to hit it over long on, but it takes edge and beats the fine leg who is near the circle
4.6 Ntini to Akmal: No run
End of Over 5: 9 runs
Score: 36 for 1 (Asnodkar 24 off 14 balls - 4 x 4, Akmal 5 off 5 balls - 1 x 4s)
-----
Over 6:
5.1 Gony to Asnodkar: 2 runs: played to third man, poor fielding by Vidyut
5.2 Gony to Asnodkar: 1 run: played to deep cover, a fielder is placed
5.3 Gony to Akmal: 1 run: played straight, Gony couldn't stop in the follow up, one run
5.4 Gony to Asnodkar: No run, played to point, Raina throws at non-strikers end, not necessary
5.5 Gony to Asnodkar: No run, played to mid off, Akmal goes for the run, but Asnodkar says no, chance for a run out, Muralitharan misses a direct hit, which would have put Akmal in trouble
5.6 Gony to Asnodkar: 1 run: played to third man
End of Over 6: 5 runs
Score: 41 for 1 (Asnodkar 28 off 19 balls - 4 x 4, Akmal 6 off 6 balls - 1 x 4)
---
Over 7:
6.1 Morkel to Asnodkar: OUT: drives to point, but Raina takes hip level catch, danger man goes
Asnodkar (c) Raina (b) Morkel 28 off 20 balls - 4 x 4
6.2 Morkel to Watson: No run: bouncer
6.3 Morkel to Watson: 1 run: quick singl
6.4 Morkel to Akmal: OUT: hits to mid on and goes for a quick single, not required at this moment, a very risky single, Ntini hits direct at the stumps and no need to to third umpire, Billy raises the finger
Akmal run out (Ntini) 6 off 7 balls - 1 x 4
6.5 Morkel to Watson: 1 run
6.6 Morkel to Pathan: 1 run: plays to cover, tries for single, but Watson says no, Dhoni tries for run out and hits at the stump, but no proper backing, 1 over throw
End of Over 7: 3 runs
Score: 44 for 3 (Watson 2 off 3 balls, Pathan 1 off 1 ball)
---
Over 8:
7.1 Balaji to Pathan: No run: beaten
7.2 Balaji to Pathan: No run
7.3 Balaji to Pathan: 1 run: pulled to mid wicket
7.4 Balaji to Watson: No run, played to bowler
7.5 Balaji to Watson: 2 runs: pulled to mid wicket, short ball, Vidyut is very slow in the wicket
7.6 Balaji to Watson: FOUR: pulled to mid off, almost kind of a striaight drive
End of Over 8: 7 runs
Score: 51 for 3 (Watson 8 off 6 balls, Pathan 2 off 4 balls)
---
Over 9:
8.1 Morkel to Pathan: No run: bouncer
8.2 Morkel to Pathan: wide: bouncer
8.2 Morkel to Pathan: 1 leg bye; another short ball; chaos on the field, Pathan goes for pull, hits the helmet, pops up in the air, caught by Parthiv, umpire Billy did not signal leg by, which means it is off the bat and should be given out.
8.3 Morkel to Watson: wide, down the leg stum
8.3 Morkel to Watson: FOUR: played little wide of mid won
8.4 Morkel to Watson: 1 run: late cut to third man
8.5 Morkel to Pathan: 2 runs: tries to hit over long on, goes high in the air, no fielder is there, safely lands
8.6 Morkel to Pathan: No run
End of Over 9: 10 runs
Score: 61 for 3 (Watson 13 off 8 balls (2 x 4), Pathan 4 off 8 balls)
---
Over 10:
9.1 Balaji to Watson: 1 run: late cut to third man
9.2 Balaji to Pathan: FOUR: comes down the track, lofts over mid wicket for a boundary
9.3 Balaji to Pathan: No run: low full toss, hits back to bowler, well fielded
9.4 Balaji to Pathan: FOUR: short ball, pulled very well, went like a bullet to mid wicket
9.5 Balaji to Pathan: 1 run: driver to mid off
9.6 Balaji to Watson: FOUR: no third man, a late cut to third man, good shot
End of Over 10: 14 runs
Score: 75 for 3 (Watson 18 off 10 balls (3 x 4), Pathan 13 off 12 balls (2 x 4))
---
Over 11:
Muralitharan to Pathan: No run: tries to sweep, doosra, appeal for leg before, Billy says not out
Muralitharan to Pathan: No run: played to mid wicket
Muralitharan to Pathan: 2 runs: DROPPED: lofts it over mid on, goes high in the air, Raina caught it but couldn't hold on to it. Could be the turning point
Muralitharan to Pathan: No run: on the pads
Muralitharan to Pathan: 1 run: played to long on
Muralitharan to Watson: 2 runs: played wide of long on
End of Over 11: 5 runs
Score: 80 for 3 (Watson 20 off 11 balls (3 x 4), Pathan 16 off 17 balls (2 x 4))
---
Over 12:
11.1 Morkel to Pathan: 1 run
11.2 Morkel to Watson: 1 run
11.3 Morkel to Pathan: No ball: 2 runs: Chipped to third man in the air, fielder dives, but the ball comes out of the hand and they run 2
11.3 Morkel to Pathan: FREE HIT: tries to slog, misses
11.4 Morkel to Pathan: 1 run
11.5 Morkel to Watson: 1 run
Celeberities watching the game: Mr. and Mrs. Tendulkar, Amir Khan
11.6 Morkel to Pathan: No run
End of Over 12: 7 runs
Score: 87 for 3 (Watson 21 off 12 balls (3 x 4), Pathan 20 off 21 balls (2 x 4))
---
Over 13:
12.1 Muralitharan to Watson: 1 run
12.2 Muralitharan to Pathan: No run, beaten
12.3 Muralitharan to Pathan: 1 run: comes down the track, ball hits bat, pad, and they go for the run
12.4 Muralitharan to Watson: 1 run, played to mid wicket
12.5 Muralitharan to Pathan: SIX: Comes down the track, lofts over long on, huge six, fifty parternship
12.6 Muralitharan to Pathan: SIX: Another huge six over long on, bigger than the previous one
End of Over 13: 15 runs
Score: 102 for 3 (Watson 23 off 14 balls (3 x 4), Pathan 33 off 25 balls (2 x 4, 2 x 6))
---
Over 14:
13.1 Gony to Watson: 3 runs
13.2 Gony to Pathan: No run, DROPPED: caught and bowled chance, towards the left of Gony, hits the hand, but couldn't hold on to it; 2nd life; first on 13 and the second on 33
13.3 Gony to Pathan: No run: slower ball
13.4 Gony to Pathan: 1 run: gives room, drives to mid off
13.5 Gony to Watson: No run: tries to steer to third man, but misses it
13.6 Gony to Watson: 1 run: yorker length
End of Over 14: 5 runs
Score: 107 for 3 (Watson 28 off 18 balls (3 x 4), Pathan 34 off 28 balls (2 x 4, 2 x 6))
---
Over 15:
14.1 Muralitharan to Watson:OUT: bowled
Watson (b) Muralitharan 28 off 19 balls - 3 x 4
14.2 Muralitharan to Kaif: 1 run
14.3 Muralitharan to Pathan: 1 run
14.4 Muralitharan to Kaif: 2 runs: played to wide of long off
14.5 Muralitharan to Kaif: No run
14.6 Muralitharan to Kaif: 1 run
End of Over 15: 5 runs
Score: 112 for 4 (Pathan 35 off 29 balls (2 x 4, 2 x 6), Kaif 4 off 4 balls)
---
5 overs 52 runs
Over 16:
15.1 Balaji to Kaif: 1 run: to third man
15.2 Balaji to Pathan: FOUR: full toss, hit back to bowler, Ntini dives to save it, tries to push it inside the boundary, the ball rolls over to boundary
15.3 Balaji to Pathan: No run
15.4 Balaji to Pathan: SIX: Full toss, lofted over long off, great short, his 3rd six
15.5 Balaji to Pathan: 2 runs: waist height full toss, not called no ball, hits high in the air, no one is there in mid wicket
15.6 Balaji to Pathan: No run: short ball, Pathan tries to pull it, but misses it, goes to keeper
End of Over 16: 13 runs
Score: 125 for 4 (Pathan 47 off 34 balls (3 x 4, 3 x 6), Kaif 5 off 5 balls)
---
Over 17:
16.1 Muralitharan to Kaif: SIX
16.2 Muralitharan to Kaif: No run
16.3 Muralitharan to Kaif: 1 run
16.4 Muralitharan to Pathan: SIX, full toss, over long, reaches his 50 in 35 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes
16.5 Muralitharan to Pathan: 1 run
16.6 Muralitharan to Kaif: OUT: Comes down the track, doosra, lobs it to cover to Dhoni
Kaif (c) Dhoni (b) Muralitharan 12 off 9 balls (1 x 6)
End of Over 17: 14 runs
Score: 139 for 4 (Pathan 55 off 38 balls (3 x 4, 4 x 6), Kaif 5 off 5 balls)
---
Ove4 18:
17.1 Morkel to Jadeja: OUT: tries to pull short ball, didn't time it well, goes in the air, caught by Badrinath
Jadeja (c) Kapugedera (b) Morkel 0 off 1 ball
17.2 Morkel to Watson: No ball, 1 run:
17.2 Morkel to Warne: FREE HIT: 1 run:
17.3 Morkel to Pathan: 1 run: chance for run out, missed, takes edge and goes to fine leg, Muralitharan picks the ball, Pathan comes back for 2, Warne says no, he is half way through the pitch, Patel does a bad throw
17.4 Morkel to Warne: OUT: pushes to point, Pathan calls for the run, Warne goes for it, a direct hit by Raina sends Pathan to pavilion, third umpire not referred, crucial break through
Pathan run out (Raina) 56 off 39 balls - 3 x 4, 4 x 6
17.5 Morkel to Tanvir: Wide
17.5 Morkel to Tanvir: 1 run
17.6 Morkel to Warne: 1 leg bye, appeal for leg before, turned down
End of Over 18: 7 runs
Score: 146 for 7 (Warne 1 off 3 balls, Tanvir 1 off 1 ball)
---
Over 19: (18 runs required of 12 balls)
18.1 Ntni to Warne: 1 run
18.2 Ntini to Tanvir: 1 run (16 off 10 balls)
18.3 Ntini to Warne: 1 run
18.4 Ntini to Tanvir: 2 runs, played wide of long on, well fielded by Badrinath
18.5 Ntini to Tanvir: 1 run: full toss, hit it to long on, did not connect it right, Badrinath did not come on time to catch it, takes it in one bounce
18.6 Ntini to Warne: FOUR: gives room and places it in the gap between cover and long off
End of Over 19: 10 runs
Score: 156 for 7 (Warne 7 off 6 balls (1 x 4), Tanvir 5 off 4 balls)
---
Over 20:
19.1 Balaji to Tanvir: 1 run, low full toss, played to long on
19.2 Balaji to Warne: No run: Yorker length, Warne misses, Parthiv collects it and comes running to the stumps
19.3 Balaji to Warne: 1 run, low full toss, comes down the track, bowled little wide of the batsman, played straight to covers to Dhoni
19.4 Balaji to Tanvir: WIDE and Bye: two runs, easy take was missed by Parthiv
19.4 Balaji to Warne: 1 run: to point
19.5 Balaji to Tanvir: 2 runs: well fielded at deep midwicket, but bad throw, Parthiv did not collect it well, but no over throw, backed well
19.6 Balaji to Tanvir (1 ball, 1 run): 1 run: short ball, pulled to mid wicket
End of Over 20: 11 runs
Score: 164 for 7 in 20 overs (Warne 9 off 9 balls (1 x 4), Tanvir 9 off 7 balls)
---
Rajasthan Royals Scoreboard (164 to win in 20 overs)
N Patel: (b) Gony 2 off 11 balls
Asnodkar: (c) Raina (b) Morkel 28 off 20 balls - 4 x 4
Akmal: run out (Ntini) 6 off 7 balls - 1 x 4
Watson (b) Muralitharan 28 off 19 balls - 3 x 4
Pathan run out (Raina) 56 off 39 balls - 3 x 4, 4 x 6
Kaif (c) Dhoni (b) Muralitharan 12 off 9 balls (1 x 6)
Jadeja (c) Kapugedera (b) Morkel 0 off 1 ball
Warne: 9 not out off 9 balls - 1 x 4
Tanvir: 9 not out off 7 balls
Extras (bye 1; leg bye 6; wide 5; no ball 2) - 14
Total 164 for 7 in 20 overs

Fall of Wickets:
1 - 19 (Patel - 3.1 overs); 2 - 41 (Asnodkar - 6.1); 3 - 42 (Akmal - 6.4 overs); 4 - 107 (Watson - 14.1 overs); 5 - 139 (Kaif -16.6); 6 - 139 (Jadeda - 17.1); 7 - 143 (Pathan - 17.4 overs)

Scores at the end of over:
1 - 6 for no loss; 2 - 14 for no loss; 3 - 19 for no loss; 4 - 27 for 1; 5 - 36 for 1; 6 - 41 for 1; 7 - 44 for 3; 8 - 51 for 3; 9 - 61 for 3; 10 - 75 for 3; 11 - 80 for 3; 12 - 87 for 3; 13 - 102 for 3; 14 - 107 for 3; 15 - 112 for 4; 16 - 125 for 4; 17 - 139 for 5; 18 - 146 for 7; 19 - 156 for 7; 20 - 164 for 7

Bowling Figures:
Ntini = 4 - 1 - 21 - 0
Gony = 4 - 0 - 30 - 1
Morkel = 4 - 0 - 25 - 2
Balaji = 4 - 0 - 42 - 0
Muralitharan = 4 - 0 - 39 - 2

Match 53: Rajasthan Win the Last Ball Thriller! One More Last Ball Loss for Sachin!

What a match! The last ball win is always a good food for eyes and emotions in cricket, especially when the home team wins it!

In a tight game where it is crucial for Mumbai, lost the game in the last ball, one more time! Last time it was against Kings XI where they did not score the run, and this time, they gave 2 runs off the last ball.

Last over requiring 15 runs, with two inexperienced international players in the crease. Fernando, the Sri Lankan fast bowler had the ball in hand.

First ball was a single by Patel on a full toss. The second ball took inside edge of Jadeja and went to fine leg where Nehra did a wonderful diving stop to save the boundary, but the batsmen run three.

11 required off 4 balls; Patel hit a six over long on. It was pitched up and it was lofted over long on.

5 required off 3 balls; Single was scored off next ball; 4 required off 2 balls.

1 run scored off a full toss by sending it to third man; they run the first run faster but couldn't come back for two.

3 runs required of the last ball; Fernando bowled down the leg and it was declared wide. Poor bowling from an experienced bowler.

2 runs required of last ball; Tension everywhere!

Patel tried to pull it, but the mistimed shot went left of Fernando who could have stopped it easily and in fact could have run out one of them and saved the game for Mumbai. He missed it and the ball went to long on. The batsman run for a single and return for second. The ball thrown to Jayasuriya at the bowlers end, where he misses to collect it cleanly and they complete the second run. The ball pops out of Jayasuriya's hand and the run out chance was missed. Nothing was going in favor of Mumbai. If Fernando or Jayasuriya picked the ball neatly, it would have been in favor of Mumbai or at least would have gone for bowl-out.

Now, Mumbai has to win their next game against Bangalore Royal Challengers and have Chennai lose their game against Deccan Chargers.

For once thought to be an easy target of 146, Rajasthan messed it up with poor shot selection. Kamran Akmal got out in a peculiar fashion. The ball was hit to point by Asnodkar and they wnet for the run. Pandey hit the stumps direct at the striker's end where Akmal was trying to ignore the ball, jumped in the air and the bat was also not grouded.

Read: Man of the Match List

Read: Points Table

Read: IPL Scores Table!

Patel top scored with 40 not out for Rajasthan and Jadeja scored 23 not out.

Earlier, put into bat, Mumbai started the innings slowly. Jayasuriya was not able to time the ball and lot of shots was mistimed. The ball did not come to the bat and that added to the problem for hte batsman.

Jayasuriya scored 38 and Sachin 30. At the end of 10 overs, Mumbai were 60 for no loss. They lost wickets going for runs in the next 10 overs and were struggling at 120 for 7 in 19 overs. It was the last over which turned the match and gave hope to Mumbai. Takawale, the Mumbai wicket keeper scored 25 runs in the last over bowled by Watson.

The first ball was a top edge of the bouncer and went over keeper's head for a four. The second ball was another bouncer and called no ball and one run scored. Raje scored a single to give strike to Takawale.

Third ball was a six over long off. The slower ball was picked very well. Fourth ball was a boundary at backward point. The fifth took an edge and went over keeper's head for anothe rboundary. Last ball was a full toss and sent over ponit for hat-trick four. 25 runs in the last over and took the total to 145.

Sohail Tanvir once again bowled a superb spell containing Mumbai Indians in the early part of the innings. He has been chosen as the man of the match and will be given the Purple Cap for securing most wickets in the IPL as of this match.

With this win at home, Rajasthan Royals have won 6 out of 7 of their matches at home, which is a record in the IPL.

Match 53
Venue: Jaipur
Date: May 26, 2008
Teams: Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians
Captains: Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar
Toss: Rajasthan Royals and decided to field
Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 5 wickets with 0 ball remaining
Man of the Match: Sohail Tanvir off Rajasthan Royals (Pakistan)
Points: Rajasthan Royals-2; Mumbai Indians-0
Score:

Mumbai Indians 145 for 7 in 20 overs (ST Jayasuriya 38, SR Tendulkar 30, AM Nayar 25, RV Uthappa 3, DR Smith 8, SM Pollock 0, M Pandey 3, YV Takawale 24 not out, RR Raje 1 not out, Extras-13 (lb 6, wide 6, nb 1), Sohail Tanvir 4-0-14-4, SR Watson 3-0-30-0, Pankaj Singh 2-0-25-0, YK Pathan 3-0-9-0, SK Trivedi 4-0-31-2, SK Warne 4-0-30-1) lost to Rajasthan Royals 146 for 5 in 20 overs (Kamran Akmal 18, SA Asnodkar 17, YK Pathan 2, SR Watson 18, M Kaif 12, RA Jadeja 23 not out, NK Patel 40 not out, Extras-16 (b 4, lb 6, wide 5, nb 1), SM Pollock 4-0-26-0, A Nehra 3-0-18-0, CRD Fernando 4-0-27-2, DR Smith 2-0-16-0, AM Nayar 1-0-4-0, RR Raje 4-0-37-1, ST Jayasuriya 2-0-8-0)

Read: Man of the Match List

Read: Points Table

Read: IPL Scores Table!

Match 45: Kings XI Wins the Last Ball Thriller by 1 Run!

In another crucial match, Mumbai Indians lost the chance of registering their 7th consecutive win! They have opened up the chance for Kolkata and Delhi for the semi-final spot.

Requiring 19 of the last over with 3 wickets in hand. VRV Singh had the ball; Chitnis hit a six over third man of the waist high no ball. 12 off 6 balls;

The next ball was scooped over extra cover of a full toss where Srivatsava did not judge it right and it went for a four. 8 off 5 balls;

Chitnis is gone in the next ball; trying for the 2nd run after hitting the ball to cover, Srivatsava did the right job throwing hit to the keeper's end; 7 off 4 balls

A bye of the 2nd ball to reduce the target to 6 off 3 balls; still 2 wickets in hand;

Fernando plays the ball to deep cover and tried for the 3rd run, but found short of his crease. 4 runs of 2 balls; 1 wicket in hand

VRV Singh's unnecessary throw gives one extra run; last ball 2 runs; last wicket

Good fielding at mid-off by Yuvaraj Singh and coming to the stumps and knocking down all the three stumps to run out Yeligati. The drive was mistimed and went straight to mid-off and he was not running as fast as he wished. Kings XI win by 1 run.

The 19th over added just 4 runs to the total, which created lot of pressure in the last over.



Earlier in the innings, Tendulkar found his form with his wonderful 65 off 46 balls with 12 fours. He reached his 50 in 38 balls with 10 fours. When Uthappa called for a single and later sent Tendulkar, it was too late and Pathan sent a direct hit to send the master batsman. That was the turning point of the match!

Jayasuria got out early on 20, with a four and 2 sixes. He is leading the number of sixes by any batsman in IPL.

Smith and Nayar scored 20 and 27 respectivly. Mumbai team saw 5 run outs in their innings. The running between the wickets and judgment should definitely improve.

Sreesanth, though picked Jayasuriya intelligently through a slower leg spin, he was hammered for a four and 2 sixes in the 5th over, which created the momentum for Mumbai. In the last over of the power play bowled by VRV Singh, Tendulkar took his turn and smashed 3 fours. VRV Singh was not bowling well, though he was picked to bowl the last over and he gave victory to Kings XI. He went for 12 in his first over and then 9 runs in his second, 19 in the third. He was hit for 2 consecutive sixes by Nayar and then four of the last ball by Tendulkar.

Read: Man of the Match List

Read: Points Table

Read: IPL Scores Table!

Earlier, put into bat, Kings XI Punjab posted 189 in the board. Marsh scored a brilling 81. His excellenr form continues. Though Hopes was out in the first over itself, Marsh and Pomersbach steadied the innings with a 133-run partnership in 86 balls for the 2nd wicket. Marsh crossed his 50 in 35 balls with 6 fours and a six and Pomersbach did his 50 in 48 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The 100 run partnership came in 70 balls between the two. The last four overs added 50 runs to the total of Kings XI. Though Yuvaraj and Jayawardane got out during these overs, Irfan Pathan and Pomersbach hammered the bowlers for fours and sixes.

The last over bowled by Nehra turned the game and boosted the confidence of Kings XI. He started with a wide costing 2 runs and then 2 singles followed by a four, six and four in the last ball.

One mistake that could have been prevented by Tendulkar was the bowling option of the last over. He chose Nehra instead of Pollock. Pollock is more experienced than Nehra and he bowled well in the last match and also in the current match in his first 3 overs giving away just 14 and taking a wicket.

Sreesanth was given the purple cap for leading the wickets tally. Marsh was awarded man of the match for his wonderful batting skills and giving a fighting total on the board.

During the presentation party, Yuvaraj hit at the Mumbai crowd. His words showed that he was not a happy man inspite of the victory. Of course, victory along cannot give happiness, it is about how you celebrate it! He said, "I want to tell the crowd that the crowd support was too one sided towards Mumbai. Let me remind them that some of the Punjab players also play for India."

Match 45
Venue: Mumbai
Date: May 21, 2008
Teams: Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab
Captains: Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvaraj Singh
Toss: Mumbai Indians and decided to field
Result: Kings XI Punjab won by 1 run
Man of the Match: SE Marsh off Kings XI Punjab (Australia)
Points: Kings XI Punjab-2; Mumbai Indians-0
Score:

Kings XI Punjab 189 for 4 in 20 overs (SE Marsh 81, JR Hopes 0, LA Pomersbach 79 not out, Yuvraj Singh 7, DPMD Jayawardene 1, IK Pathan 9 not out, Extras-12 (lb 3, wide 9), SM Pollock 3-0-14-1, A Nehra 3-0-34-0, VS Yeligati 4-0-43-0, SD Chitnis 4-0-40-2, CRD Fernando 4-0-36-1, DR Smith 2-0-19-0) beat Mumbai Indians 189 all out in 20 overs (ST Jayasuriya 20, SR Tendulkar 65, DR Smith 20, AM Nayar 27, RV Uthappa 9, SM Pollock 0, P Shah 5, SD Chitnis 15, CRD Fernando 2 not out, A Nehra 0, VS Yeligati 2, Extras-23 (b 1, lb 12, wide 9, nb 1), S Sreesanth 4-0-35-2, IK Pathan 4-0-37-0, VRV Singh 4-0-56-0, PP Chawla 4-0-22-1, JR Hopes 2-0-13-0, Yuvaraj Singh 2-0-12-2)

Read: Man of the Match List

Read: Points Table

Read: IPL Scores Table!

Match 9: Warne's spoils Symonds Century Party in a Thriller!

Symonds was a hero during batting and became villian while Bowling! Warne Spoiled Symond's Century Party!

What a match? It was Symonds who gave Deccan Charger the hope to win with his wonderful batting skills. He dominated the Rajasthan Royals throughout the innings and scored a magnificient century. This is the third century in this tournament. The other two were scored by McCullum and Mike Hussey.

Chasing the target of 215, Rajasthan Royals were not the favorites, though the pitched favored the batsman. Kamran Akmal and Smith opened the innings. The first ball drive from Akmal should have sent Smith back to pavilion as he was short of his crease, but the third umpire found the ball did not touch the bowler Vaas.

Akmal's inning was short and brief as he scored 12 off 9 balls with a four and six. He was caught at point by Bangar of Vaas.

Sending Yousuf Pathan was a good move by skipper Warne. He created the record for fastest fifty in the tournament when he reached the milestone in 21 balls with 2 fours and 6 sixes. He hit Vaas for 2 sixes and four and in the same over Smith hit a six. Vaas conceeded 22 runs in this 3rd over. He then hit RP Singh for a huge six over extra cover to reach his 50. When he tried to clear the boundary, he was caught at long on by Symonds off Kalyankrishna. He was out for 61 off 28 balls with 4 fours and 6 sixes.

Watson did not stay in the crease for long as he was dismissed for 4 in 6 balls.

Shaid Afridi was the pick of the bowlers in terms of taking wickets and also conceding runs. In his first two overs he gave away 17 runs with a wicket. In his thir over, he gave away just 5 runs. Smith reached his 50 in that over in 34 balls with 7 fours and a six.

It was Symond's 2nd over, which added momentum to the innings. Kaif hit 3 sixes--over midwicket, straight over bowlers head, and then over long on. That brought down the target from 76 off 36 balls to 56 off 30 balls.

The next over by Kalyankrishna also went in favor of Rajasthan Royals, who scored 17 runs--Smith scoring a six and a four and Kaif hitting a four over backward point.

At this stage, Rajasthan Royals required 39 in 24 balls. Deccan chargers still had the hope and possibility of registering their first win.

Vaas bowled the 17th over and conceeded 10 runs

With 29 in 18 balls, Shaid Afridi took 2 crucial wickets of well settled batsmen--Kaif caught by Symonds at long on and Smith caught at deep midwicket. Kaif scored 34 off 16 balls and Smith was out for 71 off 45 balls. This should have been utilized well by Deccan skipper Laxman, but the day belonged to Rajasthan. In the same over, Jadeja's catch was dropped by Kalyankrishna at deep midwicket. He took a good catch of the previous ball to send back Smith.

Warne was not able to score runs of the first two balls of Afridi. The first one was a faster one bowled at 115kph and he was beaten by the pace. The next ball pitched on the middle and leg was missed by Warne. Few words were exchanged between the two, which was started by Afridi.

The last ball went to a four off thick outside edge and it beat the short-third man. It was a good over bowled by Afridi, giving away 6 runs and taking 2 wickets.

With 23 to get off 12 balls, RP Singh removed Jadeja in the 2nd ball. In the same over 4th ball, Salunkhe was run out. The ball hit by Warne went straight to Laxman at covers and the runner did not see it and started running. RP Singh gave away just 6 runs

In the last over, Rajasthan Royals required 17 to get with 3 wickets in hand. Laxman picked experienced Symonds to bowl as other strike bowlers completed their quota of four overs.

First ball went to midwicket and Pankaj ran two runs.

The second ball was a low full toss and one run was scored.

With 14 off 4 balls, Warne hit the ball over Symond's head and it crossed the fence.

Tension everywhere. 10 requried off 3 balls.

The fourth ball was a huge six. Warne connected the ball well and it went off the middle of the bat over deep midwicket and went to the second tier.

4 required off 2 balls.

The fifth ball was also a six by Warne. He lead by example. The ball pitched short was well connected, half volley, just over the extra cover rope.

Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets with a ball to spare. Warne was the hero!

Earlier, Symonds scored a beautiful century that helped Deccan Chargers reach 214. He reached his 50 in 29 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. He along with Rohit Sharma built the innings for the 4th wicket with 111 run partnership of 84 balls.

Symonds did not spare Warne too as he hit him for two sixes. He scored 35 runs out of the total 47 runs given by Shane Warne in his 4 overs.

His huge six of Warne in the 18th over first ball took him to his hundred. He touched this milestone in 47 balls with 9 fours and 6 sixes. He was not out on 117 off 53 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes and he gained the award of INR 100,000 for hitting highest sixes in this match.

Rohit Sharma played well and scored 36 off 30 balls with 3 fours and 1 six.

Warne picked 2 important wickets--Laxman and Rohit Sharma

The defeat puts Deccan Chargers in trouble with all 3 matches lost. They are yet to open their winning account. Let us hope they do it quickly and get back to form.

Score:

Match 9
Venue: Hyderabad
Date: April 24, 2008
Teams: Hyderabad Deccan Chargers v. Rajasthan Royals
Captains: VVS Laxman and Shane Warne
Toss: Rajasthan Royals and decided to field
Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets with 1 ball remaining
Man of the Match: Yousuf Pathan of Rajasthan Royals (India)
Points: Rajasthan Royals-2; Deccan Chargers-0
Score:
Hyderabad Deccan Chargers 214 for 5 in 20 overs (AC Gilchrist 13, VVS Laxman 16, Shahid Afridi 10, A Symonds 117 not out, RG Sharma 36, AS Yadav 16, Extras 6--wide 5, nb 1, MM Patel 4-0-55-0,SR Watson 4-0-32-1,YK Pathan 2-0-20-2,Pankaj Singh 2-0-14-0,SK Trivedi 3-0-37-0,SK Warne 4-0-47-2,D Salunkhe 1-0-9-0) lost to Rajasthan Royals 217 for 7 in 19.5 overs (Kamran Akmal 12, GC Smith 71, YK Pathan 61, SR Watson 4, M Kaif 34, RA Jadeja 1, SK Warne 22 not out, D Salunkhe 1, Pankaj Singh 4 not out, Extras 7--lb 4, wide 2, nb 1, WPUJC Vaas 4-0-42-1,RP Singh 4-0-44-1,PP Ojha 2-0-23-0,D Kalyankrishna 3-0-30-1,Shahid Afridi 4-0-28-3,A Symonds 2.5-0-46-0)