Sandeep Sharma, a right-arm medium pacer bowler successfully defended 20 runs in the final over against MS Dhoni, most significant Rajasthan Royals to a six-run victory against Chennai Super Kings. Despite efforts of MS Dhoni, Sharma well-executed action and a crucial catch by Shimron Hetmyer sealed the win, as Chennai Super Kings fell just short of Rajasthan Royal’s 182/9 total. With this a dramatic triumph, Rajasthan Royals gained decisive drive and will now shift their focus to their next clash against Punjab Kings on Saturday.
20 runs needed off the last over with MS Dhoni on strike, the weight of expectations from thousands of supporters of CSK. A nightmare structure for any bowler, but Rajasthan Royal’s medium-pacer Sandeep Sharma rose to the occasion with nerves of steel.
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Defending a total against the ultimate last-over finisher is no easy task, and the tension was visible as Sandeep Sharma was handed the ball for the 20th over. Sandeep began the over with a wide, adding to the drama, but what followed dazed the crowd of Guwahati into silence.
On the next ball, Sandeep bowled a low full toss, and Dhoni, attempting to muscle it across the leg side, which made solid contact. But stationed Shimron Hetmyer was at deep mid-wicket who run to his left and pulled off a stunning low catch. The crowd of stadium, which had suddenly burst forth earlier, fell into an chilling silence as MS Dhoni stood motionless, processing his dismissal.
Sandeep Sharma, swamp by the moment, folded his hands and looked up, thanking the all-powerful. His teammates rushed in to honour, knowing they had sealed a critical victory. Rajasthan Royals had defeated the Dhoni factor, securing the match by six runs.
MS Dhoni, under scrutiny for batting at 9th position in the last match, promoted himself to No. 7 this time but fought to find the boundary. In the 18th over, he faced three balls and could only manage three runs, which again increasing the pressure.
With this thrilling victory, RR gained pivotal momentum and will now shift their attention to their next clash against Punjab Kings on coming Saturday.
