Who was the hero — Shane Warne, Kamran Khan or Yusuf Pathan? I guess it would be one the toughest brainstorming exercise to figure out who the actual hero was. Well! The most thrilling match ever played in the history of T-20 cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, at Capetown on Thursday (April 23).
It was perfect example of Bollywood drama, with both a climax as well an anti-climax. For all the supporters of KKR, the story reached its climax and then moved for anti-climax. However, for RR fans, the drama was vice versa.
It was perfect example of Bollywood drama, with both a climax as well an anti-climax. For all the supporters of KKR, the story reached its climax and then moved for anti-climax. However, for RR fans, the drama was vice versa.
Well! KKR won the toss and decided to field. It seemed to be a pretty intelligent decision in wet conditions. But RR’s, Yousuf Pathan seems to have taken all the batting responsibility for his team. He rocked Capetown with blasting shots all over the stadium.
RR had set a target of 150 for KKR. It didn’t seem to be an easy target. However, the heroic entry of KKR’s Chris Gayle, at one point of time, turned it into an easily achievable target.
However, Shane Warne trapped Chris Gayle with his mind-boggling delivery. And then the drama began... with the introduction of a new character- Saurav Ganguly. He played a superb innings to make the team KKR reach the climax part, where KKR needed to make just 7 runs in the final over.
In a critical situation like this, many of our ideas appear to be in a conflict. However, the captain of RR, Shane Warne was so clear about his decision. He handed the final over to the young boy-Kamran Khan. And his belief on this young guy paid him.
Seven off 6 deliveries wasn’t a tough target for well-set Ganguly. However, he gave away his wicket at this crucial point. I guess this makes Ganguly ‘special’. We, as viewers are always caught in dilemma — Is Ganguly really a good batsman? He dragged the match beautifully in the favour of his team and finally dumped it.
The match was tied. This unbelievable result proved that T-20 too is an equally mind game format like ODI’s and Tests cricket.
In fact, it requires more skill than other formats of cricket. Since, there is no room for any mistake.
There is an interesting sequel for a tie match, according to the new rule of ICC. Each team will get one over to bat and the team, with a higher score will be considered ‘winner’. This called for another challenging situation for both the captains. And once again Shane Warne proved that he is one of the greatest captains, that world cricket has ever produced.
One of the most complex jobs of a captain is to select the bowler for a super over. Again, Shane Warne picked Kamran Khan. Despite the fact, he himself was amongst the best possible options.
KKR’s opener Chris Gayle with three cracking boundaries set a target of 16 runs for RR. However, RR’s batsman Yousuf pathan thrashed KKR’s selected bowler — Ajanta Mendis. He achieved this target in just four deliveries — two lofty sixes and a winning boundary.
The tables were turned many times during the match. But, finally jo jeeta wahi sikandar...
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