Third umpire technology denied the steepest drop in the incredible contest on Day 1 of the IPL 2024 season as the Rajasthan Royals fought back with a maximum six sixes in their chase of 189. An alternate ending was the result of boundary after boundary from the composed Shahbaz Ahmed.
Rajasthan Royals 189/4 (20 Ov)
Having departed with the early wicket of Faf du Plessis, the Rajasthan Royals fought back in impressive fashion, their total built around strong individual performances throughout. Fierce blows from Fazil Malik saw them recover from a deficit before the required rate began its painful climb, eventually coming under extreme pressure when Jos Buttler sowed the seeds of doubt with a complex, tightly packed final over.
Chennai Super Kings Batting Collapse
Chennai began brightly with the familiar touch of Ravindra Jadeja flowing through their innings. His 56-ball half-century laid the foundation, watched eagerly by many seeking the perfect betting website for the IPL season. However, the RR attack continued to apply pressure. Malik found his rhythm, and his 41-ball half-century was proving too much for the CSK bowlers. Perhaps the best cricket betting sites in India needed to identify the key partnerships, such as the crucial 36-run stand between Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But individual brilliance couldn’t prevent the inevitable CSK collapse. A wicket-threatening spell from the Royals forced a nervous CSK stand.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: The Chase
Resuming their chase after 129/3, the Royals found themselves requiring 60 runs in the final 8 overs. A pulsating contest followed as they looked to consolidate. Shahbaz Ahmed, in particular, was visibly growing in confidence. His 25-ball 38 appeared decisive. Little did they know the greater threat was waiting in the wings: Sam Curran.
A Spectacular Finale
The match seemed finally going the way of the home side as the required rate dipped below three, with the target passing the 178 mark. The tension was palpable as Curran took the final four overs. His earlier contributions weren’t enough, and he repaid the faith with maximum power. Six sixes! This incredible four-ball over, featuring two sixes and two fours, saw the target collapse from 139 to just 7 runs required.
The Infallible Decision Review
Completing his majestic innings with a tigerish single to continue the fight, Shahbaz Ahmed was caught attempting a direct hit run-out attempt. The throes of the final moment were underscored by his focus. There was no doubt CSK were playing the single, but the decision on the field looked every inch a certain catch. Shahbaz Ahmed, visibly observing the ball’s journey through the safe palms of the fielder, knew his team needed an exclusion. Holding his breath, he pressed the review button on his bat. The replays showed the ball had indeed touched the ground behind the keeper. The third umpire agreed and his finger pointed towards the India social media handle selector of the stumps. No chance. The stumps were missed. The Dean Smith-inspired saga was saved by technology.
The Final Stands: SRM 180, Curran 40
Even with the exclusion, CSK were down to their last four balls with Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav needing 7 off 4. A pressure finish. A four and a single saw them home. Iyer’s personal touch had been crucial throughout the chase from a difficult position. Heself batting with maturity and determination saw his 41-ball 38 anchor the final partnership against heavy pressure. Niraj Parmar bowled the last ball, a regulation yorker that triggered a wild celebration on the boundary – not for a boundary, but for survival. The dream of a seventh IPL title lives on, however, for the visitors, dreams of a giant kill this year will have to wait.
**A nail-biting thriller that kept fans glued until the final ball of the penultimate over at the Wankhede Stadium.**
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