Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the umpteenth time was in line to pull off another incredible chase but finally ran out of luck as the Royal Challengers Bangalore managed to beat Chennai Super Kings by one run in a last-ball thriller on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 162, CSK needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav and Dhoni, with 84 not out off 48 balls that had seven sixes, almost showed that nothing is indeed impossible.
Dhoni had to go for the jugular in the last over and he obliged hitting three sixes and a four. With two needed off the last ball, Umesh bowled a slower delivery and Dhoni missed it only for Parthiv Patel to effect a run-out with non-striker Shardul Thakur inches out of his crease.
The RCB thus recorded their third win of the tournament.
It could have been an easy win for RCB with Dale Steyn (2/29) bringing the necessary zing that was lacking in their bowling effort.
Steyn bowled perfect outswinger to get rid of Shane Watson caught by Marcus Stoinis at the slips. He followed it up with a perfect yorker against an out-of-form Suresh Raina (0), who has always been found wanting against quality fast bowling.
Umesh, despite the odd loose delivery, produced extra pace and bounce to get rid of Faf du Plessis (5) and Kedar Jadhav (9) as CSK were left tottering at 28 for four.
The trusted pair of Ambati Rayudu (29 off 29 balls) and Dhoni started resurrecting the innings. Dhoni hit Stoinis for a six and Rayudu, having struggled for long, finally found some touch as he pulled Umesh over deep mid-wicket for a six and then hit a one-bounce for over extra cover.
They had a 55-run stand before Rayudu got one from Yuzvendra Chahal (1/24 in 4 overs) angled into his pads. He missed the line and the ball hit the pads and then onto the stumps leaving Dhoni with an onerous task.
Once Jadeja was run-out for 11, CSK were in deep trouble at 108 for six, but Dhoni carried the fight till the end.
Earlier, Parthiv Patel’s attacking half-century and Moeen Ali’s final flourish wasn’t enough as the Royal Challengers Bangalore put up a sub-par 161 for seven after being put into bat.
