It didn’t finish until 1.30am but Chennai Super Kings won a sensational Indian Premier League final against the defending champion Gujarat Titans off the final ball.
Chennai were almost denied by medium-pacer Mohit Sharma in the final over, moving from favourites to needing 10 runs off the last two balls.
But Sharma got his length wrong and Ravindra Jadeja hit a six, then got his line wrong and Jadeja hit a four to pull off a stunning win.
Victory gave Chennai a record-equalling fifth title in front of a patient 75,000 crowd.
Ravindra Jadeja bats for Chennai Super Kings against Gujarat Titans. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
They appeared in control as they chased a reduced total of 175 under the DLS method, after rain once again interrupted proceedings.
The final was washed out on Sunday and it didn’t finally finish until after 1:30 am local time on Tuesday.
Chennai wobbled when captain MS Dhoni was caught first ball off Sharma with 22 still left.
But Shivam Dubey (32 not out) and, spectacularly, Jadeja (15 not out) saw them home.
Earlier, Gujarat made 4-214 when they were put in, thanks to 96 by Sai Sudharsan.
Rain halted Chennai’s chase in their first over for nearly two and a half hours, reducing their target to 171 in 15 overs.
In the end, Chennai needed every ball.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Didn’t know that. He was very good. I just thought he would have been more likely to keep landing Yorkers in the last over if they hadn’t been in his ear every ball. Though Hardik appears to be a level headed captain.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
It was a brilliant season for Mohit. Those last two balls won't define the comeback he's had after two seasons going unsold. Rashid came ahead of Miller as he's played some good knocks at the death including qualifier two so understandable. Not much in what Gujarat did wrong imo. CSK just timed an almost impossible run chase to perfection. Daddy's army does it once again
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Interesting. A great game. I thought Mohit was going fine I’m the last over until the captain and coaches stopped the game every ball to lecture him on what to do every ball. Also, Gujarat might have lost several crucial runs at the end by sending Rashid ahead of Miller at the end. Rashid looked like he was having trouble gripping the ball.
Pop
Roar Rookie
Neser is no Jadeja with the bat, but once again this shows the value of a bowler who can bat. Australia have a long tail without Neser and it might bite big time in the WTC final.
whymuds
Roar Rookie
Love it or loath it, the IPL produces the most electric T20 cricket. Very high standard of play, lots of close matches and plenty of drama.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
The Chennai boy gave Gujarat a brilliant start with a blinder of an innings. The Gujarati boy won it in his home state for Chennai in the final over. What a game.