IPL 2019- RR vs CSK Review: Perseverance triumphs over controversy in last ball finsish

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Image Courtesy: India Today

In an encounter which will fondly be remembered for yet another breathtaking CSK comeback, controversy took the centre stage.

Image Courtesy: India Today

The two sides, currently placed on opposite poles of the points table clashed at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl first.

MS Dhoni played a huge gamble by dropping the in-form Harbhajan Singh to slot in Mitchell Santner, considering the number of right-handers present in the Royals’ line-up. The three-time IPL Champions also brought back Shardul Thakur in the mix.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane was quick to draft in the injury-free Sanju Samson while also playing the young Riyan Prayag.

Despite some early bashing by Jos Buttler, the CSK bowlers adapted to the surroundings soon to trigger a collapse which reduced the RR to 78-5.

Inching closer to a target around 130, an expensive last over by Shardul Thakur, which saw 18 runs being scored, instilled bit of hope in inaugural IPL Champions.

Super Kings’ top order woes continued and took a turn for worse as they saw themselves at 24-4 at the end of the powerplay. However, the in-form MS Dhoni joined Ambati Rayudu at the crease and looked to restore the shambles they were in.

A 95-run stand for the fifth wicket saw the game head into balance with just over 2 overs left in the game. With 30 runs needed off the last couple of overs, Archer conceded 12 off his last over to leave 18 runs to defend in the final over.

The last over is a story in itself as it began in the most exuberant way, with a thumping six off the bat of Ravindra Jadeja, this was followed by a front foot no-ball by Ben Stokes.

With 8 needed off 4, the odds favoured the Men InYellow considering a set MS Dhoni on strike. Ben Stokes had other plans as he removed the opposition with a scorching yorker.

Ben Stokes opted to bowl a full toss at the new batsman, Mitchell Santner. The delivery was initially deemed as a no-ball by the umpire, however, the decision was overturned by the square leg umpire Bruce Oxenford.

This triggered an aura of controversy which even led to the dismissed MS Dhoni stepping out to have an animated chat with the umpires and the opposition players.

With the no-ball not being awarded, the game had RR written all over it. Ben Stokes was entrusted with the task of defending 4 runs off the last ball, however, the ghosts of Eden Gardens returned to haunt the England all-rounder as a wide and a last-ball six saw the game being snatched away.

This victory sees CSK on the path for a place in the playoffs while Royals seek a miracle to get into the top four.

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