The Wankhede Stadium lights hummed with energy, casting long shadows across the pitch. The toss was lost, the dew was threatening, and the opponent was MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings.
But Siddanth Deva, standing in the dugout with his pads on (just in case), didn't look worried. He looked like a man who had just played an ace.
"Sunny Sohal has a niggle?" Ravi Shastri asked on commentary as the openers walked out. "Wait... that's not Sohal. That's Dwaraka Ravi Teja walking out with Shikhar Dhawan! A massive gamble from the young captain in a Qualifier!"(Sohal is 4 down, Deva promoted Ravi Teja)
It was a bold call. Ravi Teja, a local Hyderabad talent, was an aggressive stroke-maker but had been floating in the middle order all season. Promoting him to open in a knockout game against the best bowling attack in the league was the kind of high-risk maneuver that either genius captains or desperate ones made.
"Go well, boys," Deva whispered, watching them cross the rope. "Set the platform."
---
Doug Bollinger, CSK's left-arm spearhead, took the new ball. He had been a terror in the powerplay all season.
Over 1: Bollinger to Dhawan
0.1: Bollinger swung it in. Dhawan defended.
0.2: Short and wide. Dhawan slashed.
CRACK.
The ball flew over point. The first boundary of the playoffs.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "That is the sound of confidence. Dhawan loves the ball coming onto the bat. He isn't going to hold back tonight."
Dhawan didn't just start well; he exploded. He took 12 runs off the first over.
Over 3: Albie Morkel to Ravi Teja
Ravi Teja faced the South African all-rounder. He was nervous. He played and missed the first two balls. The CSK fielders chirped.
2.3: Morkel bowled full on the pads.
Teja flicked. It wasn't a tentative push; it was a whip. The ball soared over deep square leg.
SIX.
Commentary (Morrison): "HELLO! Who needs sighters? The local lad deposits Morkel into the stands! That is a statement shot! Deva's gamble is looking good!"
By the end of the Powerplay (6 Overs), the Deccan Chargers were 58/0.
They hadn't just survived; they had dominated. The Chennai crowd, usually so vocal, was reduced to a nervous murmur. Dhoni was already moving his fielders, his face betraying a rare flicker of concern.
---
The field spread out, but the boundaries didn't stop.
Over 9: Shadab Jakati to Dhawan
Dhawan danced down the track. He hit Jakati inside-out over extra cover.
FOUR.
Next ball, he swept hard through square leg.
FOUR.
Over 11: Ravi Ashwin to Ravi Teja
Ashwin, the carrom-ball wizard, tried to tie them down. But Teja was in the zone. He read the carrom ball from the hand.
He stepped out and lofted Ashwin straight back over his head. The ball landed in the sight screen.
SIX.
Commentary (Shastri): "This is carnage! Absolute carnage! The 100 partnership is up in the 11th over! This is not the script CSK wrote. They expected early wickets. Instead, they are getting hammered by a new opening pair!"
The partnership reached 131 runs. It was a masterclass in aggressive running and clean hitting.
Over 13.2: Dwayne Bravo to Ravi Teja
Teja was on 60. He was tired but ecstatic. He tried to pull a slower bouncer from Bravo.
He was through the shot too early. The ball gloved up to the keeper.
Dhoni catches it.
WICKET.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Finally! A breakthrough! But what a knock from Ravi Teja. 60 off 41 balls. He has done his job and more. He sets the stage for the big guns. A standing ovation from the Chargers dugout."
Score: 131/1.
Jean-Paul Duminy walked out at No. 3. The platform was perfect for him to launch.
But cricket is a funny game. Just as the Chargers looked set for 220, the momentum stalled.
Dhoni brought back Ravichandran Ashwin. He bowled a tight 15th over, conceding just 4 runs.
Doug Bollinger returned for the 16th. He bowled wide yorkers.
Duminy struggled to find his timing. The ball had started to get soft.
Over 16.1: Bollinger to Duminy
Duminy tried to force a lofted drive over long-off. He didn't get to the pitch of the ball.
It sliced to deep cover. Michael Hussey took a safe catch.
WICKET.
Commentary (Wessels): "Duminy goes for a scratchy 12 off 10. This is a wobble. Two quick wickets. The run rate has dipped slightly. 148 for 2. 23 balls left. Who comes in next? It has to be the Captain."
The giant screen flashed: NEXT BATSMAN: SIDDANTH DEVA.
The Wankhede crowd, despite being pro-CSK, let out a noise of anticipation. They remembered what happened here on April 2nd.
Deva walked out. He looked at the scoreboard.
148/2.
Overs: 16.1
Balls Left: 23.
He walked to the crease. Shikhar Dhawan was at the non-striker's end, batting on 78. He looked exhausted but determined.
"Just 4 overs, Sid," Dhawan panted, touching gloves. "Let's take them to 200."
"200?" Deva looked at the field. "Let's try for 210."
Over 17: Bollinger to Deva
16.2: Bollinger to Deva. First ball.
Deva didn't look for a single. He didn't look to settle.
Bollinger bowled back of a length.
Deva stood tall. He punched it off the back foot.
The ball pierced the gap between cover and point like a laser.
FOUR.
Commentary (Shastri): "First ball boundary! He has hit the ground running! That was hit with such authority!"
16.3: Bollinger went full.
Deva cleared his front leg. He whipped it over mid-wicket.
FOUR.
16.4: Bouncer.
Deva ducked.
Dot.
16.5: Single to deep square.
1 Run.
Dhawan finished the over with a couple.
Score: 159/2.
Over 18: Dwayne Bravo to Deva
Bravo, the master of death bowling, came in with his variations.
17.1: Slower ball.
Deva picked it. He waited. He waited some more.
He smashed it over extra cover.
SIX.
17.2: Bravo bowled a wide yorker.
Deva reached out. He sliced it over third man.
FOUR.
17.3: Single.
Dhawan got the strike. He hit a four and a single.
Score: 175/2.
Over 19: Albie Morkel to Deva
Deva was on 20 off 7 balls.
Dhawan was on 89.
18.1: Morkel missed the yorker. Full toss on the pads.
Deva didn't flick. He played the Helicopter Shot.
It wasn't Dhoni's helicopter; it was Deva's version—faster bat speed, less follow-through.
The ball flew over deep mid-wicket. It landed in the top tier.
SIX.
Commentary (Morrison): "LOOK AT THAT! Shades of the man standing behind the stumps! Deva plays the Helicopter against Dhoni's team! That is cheeky! That is magnificent!"
18.2: Morkel went wide.
Deva shuffled across and ramped it over fine leg.
FOUR.
18.3: Single.
Dhawan got the strike. He was on 89. He needed 11 for a century.
He hit a boundary. (93).
He ran two. (95).
He took a single on the last ball. (96).
Score: 194/2.
Run rate for the over: 19 runs.
Over 20: Doug Bollinger to Dhawan
Dhawan on 96. Deva on 31.
6 balls left.
19.1: Dhawan on strike.
Bollinger bowled a perfect yorker. Dhawan dug it out.
Single.
Dhawan moves to 97.
Deva on strike. 5 balls left.
19.2: Bollinger to Deva.
Low full toss outside off.
Deva drove it through covers.
FOUR.
19.3: Bollinger tried the slower bouncer.
Deva saw it early. He pulled.
The ball didn't come on. He mistimed it slightly.
It fell in 'no man's land' at deep mid-wicket.
1 Run. (Deva moves to 36 off 11 balls).
Dhawan on strike. 97*. 2 balls left.
He needs a boundary for the century.
19.4 (Deva on strike):
Deva hits a single. (Deva 36 off 12).
Dhawan on strike. 97*.
19.5 (Dhawan on strike):
Dhawan swings and misses.
Dot.
19.6 (Dhawan on strike):
Dhawan tries to scoop. He misses. The ball hits the pad.
Leg Bye. (Or Dot).
Final Score:
Deccan Chargers: 205/2.
Dhawan walked off, shaking his head, stranded on 97 not out. He was disappointed, but the crowd was on its feet.
Deva jogged up to him. "Don't worry about the hundred, Jatt-ji. You destroyed them. 205 in a playoff? That was your best performance."
Commentary (Gavaskar): "A phenomenal finish! 18 runs an over in the last two! Deva with a blistering 36 off 12, and Shikhar Dhawan, the architect, was unbeaten on 97. They have set Chennai a mountain to climb. 206 to win in a Qualifier? Even Dhoni will find this tough."
---
The target was 206. In a high-pressure Qualifier, chasing over 200 is less about cricket and more about psychology. The scoreboard pressure is a physical weight, heavier than any bat.
The Wankhede outfield was glistening. The dew, which MS Dhoni had gambled on at the toss, had arrived in buckets. The ball was wet. The outfield was fast.
"It skids on," Deva told his team in the huddle. "The bowlers will struggle for grip. But we have runs. 205 is a fortress. Defend it with your lives."
He tossed the new white ball to Dale Steyn.
The South African speedster's eyes were wide, veins popping in his neck. He looked like a man who hadn't eaten in days and just saw a steak.
Michael Hussey (Mr. Cricket) and Murali Vijay walked out. They knew they needed a flyer. 10 runs an over from ball one.
Over 1: Dale Steyn to Mike Hussey
The crowd buzzed. This was the battle. The best swing bowler vs the best technician.
0.1: Steyn steamed in. 148 kmph. Outswinger.
Hussey shoulders arms.
Dot.
0.2: 150 kmph. Fuller.
Hussey drives. Straight to mid-off.
Dot.
0.3: Short of a length. Nipping back.
Hussey tucks it to square leg. He wants a single. Deva swoops in at point. No run.
Dot.
The pressure was already mounting. Three dots in a chase of 206.
0.4: Steyn went round the wicket.
He angled it in. He aimed for the top of off stump.
Hussey was forced to play. He tried to defend with soft hands, but the pace hurried him. The ball kissed the shoulder of the bat.
It flew to the slip cordon.
Cameron White (at first slip) dived to his right. A clean, two-handed take.
Commentary (Ravi Shastri): "GONE! The Steyn Gun fires in the first over! Mike Hussey, the Orange Cap holder for CSK, goes for a duck! What a start for the Chargers! Pure pace, pure aggression! The Wankhede is stunned!"
WICKET (Hussey 0).
Suresh Raina walked in at No. 3. The noise returned, but it was nervous noise.
0.5: Steyn to Raina.
Bouncer. Directed at the throat.
Raina ducked awkwardly.
Dot.
0.6: Yorker.
Raina dug it out.
Dot.
End of Over 1: CSK 0/1.
A wicket-maiden in a chase of 206. It was the perfect start.
Deva handed the ball to Anand Rajan. The domestic medium-pacer who had replaced the injured Ishant Sharma.
Rajan looked nervous. He was wiping his hands on his trousers repeatedly. He was bowling to Murali Vijay in a World Cup stadium in a playoff.
Deva walked up to him. He put an arm around Rajan's shoulder.
"Anand," Deva said calmly. "Don't try to be Ishant. Don't try to bowl 140. Bowl your line. Top of off. Let the scoreboard pressure get the wicket. You have 205 runs behind you. You can afford to get hit."
Rajan nodded, taking a deep breath.
Over 2: Anand Rajan to Murali Vijay
1.1: Rajan started with a gentle outswinger. 128 kmph.
Vijay stepped out and smashed it over cover.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Release shot! Vijay was itching to get bat on ball. That eases the nerves. Four runs."
FOUR.
1.2: Vijay tried to repeat the shot.
Rajan pulled the length back slightly.
Vijay missed.
Dot.
1.3: Vijay was restless. He wanted to dominate the 'weak link'.
He charged down the track again, looking to hit Rajan over long-on.
Rajan saw him coming. He rolled his fingers over the ball. A leg-cutter.
The ball gripped the surface and moved away.
Vijay was nowhere near the pitch. He swung blindly.
The ball took the thick outside edge.
It flew high into the night sky towards the third man.
Dale Steyn ran in from the boundary. He kept his eyes on the ball. He slid on his knees and cupped it safely.
Commentary (Danny Morrison): "AND ANOTHER ONE! The replacement strikes! Murali Vijay tries to blast the rookie out of the attack but slices it to the Steyn Gun! Two down inside two overs! The Chargers are rampant!"
WICKET (Vijay 4).
Score: 4/2.
CSK was in tatters. The two openers were back in the hut. S. Badrinath, the crisis man, walked in to join Raina.
Over 3: Dale Steyn to Raina
2.1: Steyn to Raina.
Short ball. Raina fended it off awkwardly.
Dot.
2.2: Full and wide.
Raina drove. Beautifully timed through covers.
FOUR.
2.4: Steyn to Badrinath.
Badrinath flicked off his pads. Classy shot.
FOUR.
CSK was fighting back.
Over 4: Anand Rajan to Raina
Raina decided to target Rajan.
3.2: Raina stepped out and lofted Rajan over mid-off.
FOUR.
3.3: Short ball (mistake from Rajan).
Raina pulled. It went for SIX over mid-wicket.
Commentary (Shastri): "That's the release! Raina takes on the youngster! Ten runs off two balls. CSK needs this counter-attack desperately."
Deva walked to Rajan. "It's fine. He's a good player. Stick to the plan. Outside off."
3.4: Rajan corrected his line. Wide yorker.
Raina missed.
Dot.
Over 5: Amit Mishra
Deva introduced spin early to take the pace off the ball, resting Steyn but keeping Rajan for the next one.
4.2: Mishra to Raina. Googly.
Raina read it late. Inside edge onto pads.
Dot.
4.5: Mishra tossed it up.
Badrinath used his feet and lofted it over extra cover.
FOUR.
Powerplay Score: 48/2.
CSK was behind the rate. They needed 158 runs from 90 balls.
Over 6: Anand Rajan (3rd Over)
Deva brought Rajan back immediately.
"Keep going," Deva said. "Don't think about the last over. Think about this one."
5.1: Rajan to Badrinath.
Good length. Defended.
Dot.
5.3: Rajan to Raina.
Slower ball. 115 kmph.
Raina swung hard but was beaten by the lack of pace.
Dot.
5.6: Raina stepped out and drove to long-off for a single.
A good comeback over. Only 4 runs conceded.
Over 7: Pragyan Ojha
Deva switched to spin from the other end.
6.1: Ojha to Badrinath.
Arm ball. Skidded on.
Badrinath cut. Straight to point.
Deva fielded it cleanly.
Dot.
6.3: Ojha to Raina.
Flighted. Raina came down the track. He didn't get to the pitch. He had to check his shot.
It looped over the bowler's head. Safe.
1 Run.
6.5: Badrinath swept.
Top edge. It fell in no man's land.
2 Runs.
Over 8: Anand Rajan (Final Over)
Deva gave the ball to Rajan for his 4th and final over. It was a massive show of faith to bowl out an uncapped player inside the first 8 overs of a Qualifier.
"Finish your quota," Deva said. "Empty the tank."
Rajan bowled his heart out. He mixed up his pace brilliantly.
7.1: Single to long-on.
7.2: Single to deep cover.
7.3: Slower ball. Raina swung and missed. Dot.
7.4: Wide yorker. Badrinath dug it out for a single.
7.5: Raina tried to scoop. Missed. Dot.
7.6: Single to long-on.
Rajan's Figures: 4-0-30-1.
He had gone for runs in one over, but he had taken a crucial wicket and filled his quota early without cracking under pressure. Deva patted him on the back. "Job done, Anand. Brilliant spell."
Score after 8 Overs: 62/2.
Strategic Time-Out.
The players gathered. The scoreboard pressure was suffocating.
Target: 206.
Current Score: 62/2.
Required Rate: 12 runs per over.
Deva looked at the scoreboard. He looked at Dhoni sitting in the dugout, looking calm.
"We have them," Cameron White whispered to Deva. "Raina is panicking. He's trying to hit every ball."
"Dhoni is still there," Deva cautioned. "Until he is out, the game is alive. But Rajan finishing his spell is huge. Now we can rotate Steyn, Mishra, and..." He tapped his own chest. "...me."
The timeout ended. The crowd was quiet. The yellow flags were limp. The Bull had the Lion by the throat.
With the fielding restrictions over, Deva spread the field but kept the pressure on by operating with his spinners. Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha bowled in tandem, exploiting the slight grip still available before the dew fully took over.
Suresh Raina and S. Badrinath had settled in. Raina was looking to accelerate, while Badrinath was playing the anchor role, rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Over 9: Amit Mishra
Raina stepped out and lofted Mishra over extra cover.
Commentary (Harsha Bhogle): "Inside out! That's the trademark Raina shot. He makes room and just lifts it over the infield. Four runs."
But Mishra responded well, mixing up his googlies. The over went for 9 runs.
Over 10: Pragyan Ojha
Badrinath worked the ball into the gaps. Two runs here, a single there. They were rebuilding, but the required run rate was climbing steadily towards 13.
Score: 78/2.
Over 11: Amit Mishra
Raina swept hard. It plugged in the outfield. They ran two.
The next ball, Raina tried to cut but was beaten by the turn.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Mishra is bowling beautifully here. He's not afraid to toss it up even with Raina attacking. He's inviting the mistake."
CSK managed 8 runs from the over.
Over 12: Pragyan Ojha
Ojha fired it in flat. Raina punched it to long-off for a single. Badrinath defended.
The spinners were doing a job, but they weren't taking wickets. The partnership was growing, and with every over that passed without a wicket, the specter of MS Dhoni grew larger in the dugout.
Score: 94/2.
Deva looked at the scoreboard. 112 runs needed off 48 balls.
The equation was getting tight. But Deva had a bigger concern.
He looked at Badrinath. The man was batting on 35 off 30 balls. He was solid, but he wasn't destructive.
He looked at the CSK dugout. MS Dhoni was padded up, helmet on, bat in hand.
"If Badri gets out now," Deva thought, his mind racing through scenarios, "Dhoni comes in. The ball has stopped spinning. The dew is heavy. If Dhoni walks in now with 8 overs left... he will murder us."
Deva took the ball from Ojha. He marked his run-up.
Commentary (Shastri): "The Captain brings himself on! Deva into the attack. A crucial juncture. He needs to break this partnership."
Over 13: Siddanth Deva to S. Badrinath
Deva ran in. He didn't bowl his stock 150kmph delivery.
12.1: Deva rolled his fingers across the ball. An off-cutter. 128 kmph.
Badrinath lunged forward to defend. The ball gripped and beat the outside edge.
Dot.
12.2: Deva went wide on the crease. He angled it in sharply. 142 kmph.
Badrinath was cramped. He tried to tuck it but got an inside edge onto the pad.
Dot.
12.3: Knuckleball. It floated in the air.
Badrinath was through the shot way too early. He checked his drive, chipping it just short of mid-off.
Dot.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "This is high-class bowling. He is mixing it up every ball. Badrinath hasn't got a clue what is coming out of the hand."
12.4: Bouncer. Directed at the left shoulder.
Badrinath ducked awkwardly.
Dot.
12.5: Wide yorker. 148 kmph.
Badrinath threw his bat at it. Missed.
Dot.
12.6: Deva ran in for the final ball. He saw Badrinath shuffling, desperate to get off strike.
Deva bowled a perfect outswinger on the fourth stump line.
Badrinath poked at it. Missed.
The ball thudded into the keeper's gloves.
A Maiden Over.
Commentary (Morrison): "A MAIDEN! In the 13th over of a chase of 206! Are you kidding me? Siddanth Deva has tied Badrinath in knots! That is gold dust! The pressure is skyrocketing!"
Deva walked back to his fielding position at cover. He caught Dale Steyn's eye. Steyn winked. He knew.
Deva didn't want Badrinath's wicket. He wanted Badrinath to stay. He wanted to starve Raina of the strike and keep Dhoni sitting on the bench until the required rate was impossible. It was a gamble of the highest order—keeping a set batsman in to keep a dangerous batsman out.
Score: 94/2.
Required Rate: 16 runs per over.
The maiden over had a volcanic effect on CSK. The pressure valve had to be released.
Over 14: Dan Christian
Deva brought on the Australian all-rounder. Suresh Raina's eyes lit up.
13.1: Raina stepped out immediately. He converted a length ball into a half-volley.
SIX over long-on.
13.2: Christian went wide. Raina slashed.
FOUR past point.
13.3: Short ball. Raina pulled. It went flat and hard.
SIX over mid-wicket.
Commentary (Shastri): "Raina has exploded! He is taking Christian apart! 16 runs in 3 balls! This is the counter-punch CSK needed!"
The over went for 22 runs.
Score: 116/2.
Over 15: Amit Mishra
Mishra returned for his final over. Badrinath, empowered by Raina's hitting, decided to join the party.
14.1: Badrinath slog-swept.
SIX over deep square leg.
14.3: Raina tried the inside-out shot again.
Mishra bowled it slower and wider.
Raina reached for it. He sliced it.
The ball flew high towards deep cover.
Sunny Sohal ran in, dived, got hands to it... and spilled it. The ball rolled to the boundary.
FOUR.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Put down! Oh, drama! And it goes for four! That could be the match right there! 21 runs off the over! CSK has risen from the dead!"
CSK plundered 21 runs from the over.
Score after 15 Overs: 137/2.
Target: 206.
Equation: 69 runs needed off 30 balls.
The required rate had dropped from 16 to 13.8. The momentum had swung violently back to the Lions. The Wankhede was deafening. CSK! CSK!
The game was slipping away. 43 runs in the last 2 overs. The Chargers looked shell-shocked.
Siddanth Deva took the ball for his second over. He looked at Raina. He didn't look flustered. He looked like a man about to fix a leak.
15.1: Deva to Raina
Deva ran in. 148 kmph. A searing yorker on the 5th stump line.
Raina tried to squeeze it to point. He couldn't get bat on it.
The ball thudded into the keeper's gloves.
DOT BALL.
Commentary (Morrison): "Gold dust! A dot ball to start the 16th over after the carnage! That calms everything down."
15.2: Deva to Raina
Deva changed the pace. 120 kmph. Short and wide.
Raina saw the width. He slashed hard.
He didn't get the middle. The ball plugged in the deep cover region.
Raina called for two immediately. "TWO! TWO!"
They sprinted back.
2 Runs.
15.3: Deva to Raina
Deva went round the wicket. He cramped Raina for room, bowling into the ribs.
Raina swiveled and pulled it awkwardly to deep square leg.
He wanted two, but the fielder was quick.
They settled for a single.
1 Run.
15.4: Deva to Badrinath
Badrinath on strike.
Deva bowled a fast, full toss. 157 kmph.
Badrinath was surprised by the pace. He swung blindly.
He missed. The ball hit his pad outside leg.
DOT BALL.
15.5: Deva to Badrinath
Deva bowled a wide yorker.
Badrinath threw his bat at it. It squirted off the toe end to long-off.
They crossed for a single.
1 Run.
15.6: Deva to Raina
Last ball. Raina flicked a low full toss to deep mid-wicket. Raina looked for a double.
But the fielder attacked the ball. Raina turned back. "NO!"
They settled for a single.
Score after 16 Overs: 142/2.
Equation: 64 runs needed off 24 balls.
Required Rate: 16.00.
Commentary (Shastri): "What an over! After conceding 43 in the previous two, the Captain comes in and gives away just 5! He has pulled the game back! The pressure is right back on CSK! 64 off 24 is a mountain again!"
"Dale," Deva said, wiping the dew off the ball with a towel. "Keep it simple. Yorkers and bouncers. Raina is the key."
16.1: Steyn to Raina
Steyn bowled a length ball. Raina slogged it to cow corner.
It wasn't timed perfectly, but it beat the fielder.
FOUR.
16.2: Steyn to Raina
Steyn came back with a bouncer.
Raina hooked. Top edge. It flew over the keeper for a single.
1 Run.
16.3: Steyn to Badrinath
Badrinath tried to hit a boundary but couldn't connect with it.
1 Run.
16.4: Steyn to Raina
Steyn nailed the yorker. Raina dug it out.
Dot.
16.5: Steyn to Raina
Low full toss. Raina whipped it to deep square leg.
2 Runs.
16.6: Steyn to Raina
Steyn bowled wide. Raina chased it.
Missed.
Dot.
Runs in Over: 8 Runs.
Score after 17 Overs: 150/2.
Equation: 56 runs needed off 18 balls.
56 runs from 18 balls. The required rate was 18.66. It was now or never for CSK.
Deva set the field. He brought mid-off up. He pushed deep point back.
17.1: Deva to Raina
Deva bowled a wide yorker.
Raina reached for it. He missed.
DOT BALL.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Precious dot ball! Deva starts the 18th over perfectly! The pressure is boiling over!"
17.2: Deva to Raina
Deva missed the length slightly. Low full toss.
Raina didn't miss. He cleared his front leg and launched it over long-on.
SIX.
Commentary (Morrison): "IN THE CROWD! Raina responds! He needed that! 50 needed now!"
17.3: Deva to Raina
Deva went round the wicket. Cramping Raina.
Raina pulled it awkwardly to deep mid-wicket.
He wanted two, but Dale Steyn attacked the ball.
They settled for a single.
1 Run. (Badrinath on strike).
17.4: Deva to Badrinath
Badrinath on strike. 49 needed off 15.
Deva bowled a knuckleball. 115 kmph.
Badrinath swung way too early. He missed the ball completely.
DOT BALL.
Commentary (Shastri): "Deceived him! Badrinath had no clue! The change of pace is Deva's biggest weapon!"
17.5: Deva to Badrinath
Deva bowled a bouncer. 150 kmph. Directed at the head.
Badrinath swayed out of the way. He looked rattled.
DOT BALL.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Two dots in a row! This is criminal in the 18th over! Badrinath is struggling to put bat to ball against the Captain!"
17.6: Deva to Badrinath
Last ball of the over.
Deva ran in. He saw Badrinath stepping away to make room.
Deva followed him. 148 kmph. Base of leg stump.
Badrinath tried to flick. He missed.
The ball crashed into the leg stump.
WICKET.
Commentary (Shastri): "CLEANED HIM UP! Badrinath's struggle comes to an end! Deva gets the wicket! A fantastic over under pressure! Just 7 runs and a wicket! But wait... look who is walking out. The crowd knows. The Captain knows. It's time for Thala!"
Score after 18 Overs: 157/3.
Target: 206.
Equation: 49 runs needed off 12 balls.
The Wankhede Stadium, which had been buzzing with the tension of the chase, suddenly erupted into a sound that defied measurement. It wasn't just noise; it was a physical force, a wall of adoration slamming against the pitch.
From the dugout, Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked out.
He walked calmly, twirling his bat, his face a mask of serenity amidst the chaos. He crossed the boundary rope, acknowledging the crowd with a slight nod.
As he reached the pitch, Siddanth Deva was walking back to his fielding mark. Their paths crossed.
Dhoni stopped. He looked at Deva. A small, knowing smirk played on his lips.
"I know what you did," Dhoni said, his voice cutting through the roar. He gestured subtly to the pavilion where Badrinath had just disappeared. "You strangled him. You kept him there to keep me out. Smart."
Deva grinned, shrugging his shoulders with feigned innocence. "I don't know what you are saying, Mahi bhai. I was just trying to take wickets."
Dhoni shook his head, chuckling. "Cheeky bastard. Now go field."
Dhoni walked to the non-striker's end. The crowd went berserk. DHONI! DHONI!
Equation: 49 runs needed off 12 balls.
Bowler: Dale Steyn.
Striker: Suresh Raina.
Non-Striker: MS Dhoni.
18.1: Steyn to Raina
Steyn ran in, furious at the target. He bowled a length ball, looking for swing.
Raina cleared his front leg. He hit it cleanly over long-off.
SIX.
Commentary (Morrison): "BANG! Raina starts the 19th with a maximum! 43 off 11!"
18.2: Steyn to Raina
Steyn corrected his line. Yorker on leg stump.
Raina dug it out to square leg.
1 Run. (Dhoni on strike).
The crowd roared again. Dhoni was facing his first ball.
18.3: Steyn to Dhoni
Steyn bowled back of a length. 148 kmph.
Dhoni pulled. Not timed perfectly. It went to deep mid-wicket.
Deva fielded it.
2 Runs.
18.4: Steyn to Dhoni
Steyn went full.
Dhoni whipped it. The bottom hand power was immense.
The ball raced through mid-wicket like a bullet.
FOUR.
Commentary (Shastri): "Power! Pure power from Dhoni! He is off and running!"
18.5: Steyn to Dhoni
Steyn went wide.
Dhoni reached out and sliced it to deep point.
1 Run. (Raina on strike).
18.6: Steyn to Raina
Last ball of the 19th over. 35 needed off 7.
Steyn bowled a slower bouncer.
Raina pulled it to deep square leg.
They ran hard.
2 Runs.
Total Runs in Over: 16 Runs.
Score after 19 Overs: 173/3.
Target: 206.
Equation: 33 runs needed off 6 balls.
It was almost impossible. 33 runs in the final over.
Deva took the ball. He looked at Dhoni at the non-striker's end.
Raina was on strike.
19.1: Deva to Dhoni
The crowd was on its feet. 33 off 6. It needed 5 sixes and a 3 (or extras).
Deva ran in. 145 kmph.
He aimed for the yorker. He missed by an inch. Low full toss.
Dhoni was waiting. He swung his bat like a sledgehammer.
The ball disappeared over long-on.
SIX.
Commentary (Shastri): "IT'S NOT OVER! Dhoni launches the first one! 27 needed off 5! Can he do the impossible?"
20.2: Deva to Dhoni
Deva took a breath. He changed his grip. Slow wide yorker.
Dhoni reached for it. He sliced it towards deep cover.
They ran. One. Two.
Dhoni called for three!
The throw came in from the deep. It was weak.
They completed the third run.
3 Runs.
Equation: 24 needed off 4 balls.
20.3: Deva to Raina
Raina on strike. He needed a six to keep the game alive.
Deva bowled a bouncer. High and fast.
Raina hooked. He didn't get all of it.
The ball flew towards the deep square leg boundary.
Dan Christian settled under it. He took it calmly.
Dhoni had sprinted like a bolt of lightning. He was at the striker's end before the catch was completed.
WICKET (Raina).
Equation: 24 runs needed off 3 balls.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "And that is the game! Mathematically, it is impossible for CSK to win now, unless Deva bowls a no-ball or a large number of wides! 24 off 3. Dhoni is on strike, but he needs 4 sixes in 3 balls!"
The crowd knew it. Deva knew it. Dhoni knew it.
But MS Dhoni doesn't play for math. He plays for pride.
20.4: Deva to Dhoni
Deva ran in. He relaxed slightly, knowing the win was secured.
He bowled a length ball.
Dhoni smashed it. A flat bullet over mid-wicket.
SIX.
Equation: 18 off 2.
20.5: Deva to Dhoni
Dhoni stepped out. He didn't care about the result anymore. He wanted to give the crowd a show.
He helicoptered it.
The ball soared over long-off. Another massive hit.
SIX.
Equation: 12 off 1.
Deva smiled. He respected the fight. Two sixes when the game was lost. That was Dhoni.
20.6: Deva to Dhoni
Last ball of the match.
Deva rolled his fingers. The Knuckleball.
Dhoni swung hard, looking for the third six.
He was deceived by the dip.
He mistimed it. The ball went high in the air towards long-on.
Dale Steyn ran in. He caught it one-handed.
WICKET (Dhoni).
Commentary (Shastri): "CAUGHT! And that is it! The Deccan Chargers have done it! They have stormed the fortress! They win by 12 runs! A valiant effort from Dhoni at the end, but the mountain was too high! Siddanth Deva leads his team to the IPL Final!"
Final Score: CSK 194/5.
Deccan Chargers won by 11 runs.
Deva walked towards Dhoni, who was walking off. They hugged mid-pitch.
"You scared me there for a second," Deva laughed.
"Math was against me," Dhoni smiled, patting Deva's back. "We will meet again in the finals, get ready for it, Sid."
The Chargers rushed onto the field. They were in the Final. The redemption of 2010 was complete.
The stadium was a mix of blue and yellow celebration. The Chargers huddled in the center, jumping around.
Ravi Shastri stood at the podium.
"What a game! Nearly 400 runs scored! But in the end, the Chargers hold their nerve. I have the presentation party here."
"First, the losing captain, MS Dhoni." Dhoni walked up, smiling despite the loss. "MS, 206 was a big ask?"
"Yes, Ravi," Dhoni nodded. "They batted exceptionally well. Dhawan and Ravi Teja took the game away. We tried hard, but 200 is always tough. But we have another chance in Qualifier 2. We will come back strong."
"And now, the winning captain, Siddanth Deva." Deva walked up to loud cheers. "Sid, into the final! How does it feel?"
"Amazing," Deva said. "The boys showed character. We lost one of our main bowlers, but Anand stepped up. Shikhar set the platform. It was a team effort."
"And finally," Shastri announced. "For a match-winning, unbeaten 97 that set up this mammoth total... the Man of the Match is Shikhar Dhawan!"
Dhawan jogged up, twirling his mustache, slapping his thigh in his trademark 'Kabaddi' celebration. He took the trophy.
"Shikhar, missed the century by 3 runs, but what a knock!"
"Thanks, Ravi bhai," Dhawan beamed. "Century doesn't matter, winning matters. The wicket was good, I just played my natural game. Sid gave me good support at the end. We are happy to be in the final."
As Dhawan walked back, Deva hugged him. "You deserved it, Jatt-ji."
The Chargers did a lap of honor. They had beaten the champions. They had exorcised the ghosts of 2010. They were one win away from the title.