Chasing the Chargers’ 20-over total of 143 for five, the Royal Challengers closed at 137 for nine, one elusive strike away from pushing the title clash into the “Super Over.”
The sheer delight on Adam Gilchrist’s face was matched for effect only by the supreme despair that burst through the grill of Anil Kumble’s helmet.
Kumble won the personal battle between the skippers, cleaning up his opposite number with the third ball of the match, but didn’t quite get the same support from his team-mates as the Australian did.
Undone by the pressures of a run-chase, however modest, in a Cup final, the Challengers suffered a stunning collapse after having looked in control for much of the match.
The Chargers’ modest total, built largely around a workmanlike unbeaten 53 by Herschelle Gibbs, was kept to manageable proportions thanks to another wonderful bowling display from Kumble, who finished with four for 16.
The Royal Challengers were well in control at 99 for four, requiring a further 44 in 36 deliveries, when Andrew Symonds got rid of Ross Taylor and Virat Kohli, the key hit-men, in the space of two deliveries to effectively finish off the final as a contest.
Glory for the Deccan Chargers then, but hardly any disgrace for the boys from Bangalore. Bravo!
Published 24 May 2009, 19:45 IST