Tristan Lavalette suggests that a cricketer who divided so much opinion Down Under always deserved to be judged in a far more favourable light.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters were ashen-faced. Almost distraught. A record fourth IPL title appeared to be slipping away as their captain – and national demigod – MS Dhoni trudged off after being spectacularly run out.
Chasing a modest 150 against Mumbai Indians, CSK were spiralling at 82-4 in the 13th over.
They shouldn’t have been so crestfallen. Shane Watson – who when he is bludgeoning boundaries through his powerful physique looks remarkably like Thor wielding a hammer – was still there. And he quickly became a one-man wrecking ball with a flurry of muscular shots to the boundary.
He made his move in the 16th over by smashing three consecutive boundaries off Lasith Malinga and suddenly CSK needed only nine runs off the final over to claim the title. Watson was on the cusp of becoming the hero.
Almost fittingly, considering Watson’s knack for tragic comedy, it did not go to script. On the third last ball, with just four runs needed for victory, he was run out attempting a second run to end his brilliant 59-ball 80.
It all ended in heartbreak for a gallant CSK, who were so close to an upset over mighty Mumbai. Malinga proved to be the real hero with a clutch slow cutter that completely bamboozled Shardul Thakar on the last delivery as Mumbai won an epic by one run to trigger wild celebrations.
Malinga raised his arms aloft like a heavyweight boxing champion. Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma raced around like he had suddenly summoned the agility of Usain Bolt.
Denne historien er fra May 17,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 17,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
