TNI Bureau: For the last three years, the Chennai Super Kings dominated the DFL IPL and won titles in 2010 and 2011 too. However, they faltered at their hat-trick bid, as Kolkata Knight Riders became the new IPL Champions tonight.
In an exciting final in Chennai tonight, KKR held their nerves to chase down a mammoth total of 190 with two balls to spare. They played like champions and won the match it style.
KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan, his wife Gauri and SRK’s friend Juhi Chawla celebrated this memorable win along with the players and supporters. SRK wanted to see this big moment for the last five years. He could not when Sourav Ganguly was at the helm. However, Gautam Gambhir turned out to be his lucky mascot.
In today’s grand finale, the game continued to tilt in favour of both teams – CSK and KKR throughout the match. CSK won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted 190/3 in 20 overs. Mike Hussey scored 54, while Murali Vijay made 42. Suresh Raina was the top scorer with 73 off 38 balls.
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Chasing a victory target of 191, KKR lost Gambhir early, but cruised towards an easy victory at one time, when Manvinder Bisla and Kallis were batting. Bisla, who replaced Brendon McCullum in the team, turned out to be the trump card for KKR. He added 136 runs with Kallis for the second wicket. Bisla made 89 off 48 balls.
Jacques Kallis scored 69 off 49 balls, as KKR reached 192/5 in 19.4 overs and won the match by 5 wickets. Ben Hilfenhaus took two wickets. Manvinder Bisla was declared ‘Man of the Match’. Mandeep Singh of Kings XI Punjab won the Citi Rising Star Award.
David Hussey got the Karbonn Kamaal Catch Award. AB de Villers won the Volkswagen Individual Performance and won a Vento. Sunil Narine won the DLF Golden Player Award.
The Orange Cap (for most number of runs – 733 runs) went to Chris Gayle of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Purple Cap (for most number of wickets – 25 wickets) was won by Morne Morkel. Rajasthan Royals won the Fair Play Trophy.