Trinidad pack off Chargers in thriller

IPL champions crash out after three-run defeat

The three-run defeat also knocked Chargers, who are the IPL II champions, out of the tournament. Trinidad, with two wins from as many matches, and Somerset, who had edged out Chargers earlier, will advance to the League Phase from Group ‘A’. Trinidad were restricted to 149 for seven after asked to bat first, and the local outfit stuttered to 146 for nine as Trinidad bowlers, especially Dwayne Bravo, struck at crucial times.

Chargers’ started their run chase in an explosive fashion, Gilchrist smotting Ravi Rampaul for a six over third-man. But soon they lost three quick wickets, including in-form VVS Laxman and big-hitting Andrew Symonds.

The Hyderabadis seemed to tide over the blows when Gilchrist and Rohit Sharma added 55 runs for the fourth wicket in just 7.2 overs. At 85 for three in little over 11 overs, the game was firmly in the grasps of Chargers.

However, the Australian left-hander, who steamrolled Trinidad bowlers for a fifty, and Rohit departed in the space of one-run that ended Chargers’ hopes. Venugopala Rao played a nice cameo, but Rampaul ended his stay and the elder Bravo produced gem of a last over,  restricting Chargers to just four runs, to deliver the final punch.

Earlier, Trinidad went off the block in a blazing fashion, but could not sustain the start.
After the early fall of Lendl Simmons, trapped in front of the wicket by Fidel Edwards, William Perkins and Darren Bravo added 34 runs in short time as Trinidad appeared to be on course for a big score.

However the quick dismissals of Bravo junior and skipper Darren Ganga applied breaks on their scoring while also providing the Chargers with a much-needed foot-hold. The local outfit never loosened the grip thereafter as their slow bowlers shackled the Trinidad batsmen with a tight line, hardly allowing them any liberties.

The only time Trinidad threatened to break free from the clutches of Deccan spinners was when Kieron Pollard at the crease. The powerfully built all-rounder used his reach to telling effect as Trinidad regained some lost momentum. Just when it seemed, Pollard would lead Trinidad to a much larger score Edwards produced a screamer to uproot his woodwork. Trinidad’s hopes of a huge total vanished with Pollard’s dismissal, but they defended the total with great resolve.