Chennai Super Kings raced off to their second IPL win in as many years as the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dream run was ended by some super running between the wickets by the hosts at Chepauk in Chennai.
The Super Kings had no hesitation in batting first after they won the toss in a final that was bound to incite pressure. That they managed to pile up more than 200 was all thanks to the batting of Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey at the top of the innings that was based on some excellent adherence to the basics.
Singles and twos were run with alarming alacrity and despite the obvious poor form, Vijay’s confidence grew with time at the crease. The sixes began to come think and fast and by the time, the stand was broken, Chennai had got to 159 with five overs to spare.
The pitch had slowed down greatly by then and exhaustion had done the same to Vijay as well. He made 95 of the best runs that one would see in a pressure-final like this and in company with Hussey manage to propel the side to more than 200.
A total of 206 was going to test the Royal Challengers Bangalore but what would have kept them and their fans interested was the reassuring presence of Chris Gayle, the Orange Cap-winner. Unfortunately for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he lasted all of three balls before R Ashwin had his number. Gayle did not open his account.
The rest of the side just capitulated to 147, which was probably 20 runs more than what they would have got had Chennai held on to all their catches in the game in the end.
Vijay’s cracking near-ton won him the man of the award while Gayle was declared the player of the tournament. Lasith Malinga won the Orange Cap for the most number of wickets of tournament. This was the second time Bangalore had been beaten in the final of the IPL.