It is safe to say that despite the delays, this year’s IPL lived up to the hype delivering a lot of breath taking moments. In this article we look at 10 of these.
1. Head to the Desert
Things were looking bleak for IPL this year. The coronavirus was wrecking havoc not just in India but all over the world and it seemed that cricket was the last thing on anyone’s mind. Once the dust had settled and people were adapting to living with the virus, plans were being sprung up by BCCI on how to organise the tournament. Several venues were discussed but ultimately it was decided that IPL 2020 would be organised in UAE and would take place from Oct – Nov.
Despite the positivity, many were sceptical about the event still taking place. Their scepticism was further enhanced as 13 members of the Chennai Super Kings’ camp tested positive for Covid-19. However, despite this setback the first match did take place as scheduled between the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. IPL 2020 was back and cricket fans all over the world were delighted!
2. One more run!
Mumbai Indians faced against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a match that many fans were predicting to be one sided. MI were a juggernaut while RCB were still trying to find their groove despite having Virat Kohli as their leader. However, on this occasion it seemed that RCB emerge victorious as MI were given a target of 80 runs in the last four overs. At 20 runs an over, even the most die hard of MI fans had given up hope but then Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard decided to light up UAE with their own brand of fireworks.
Pollard fired 60 runs off just 24 balls while Kishan smashed balls all over the ground at a strike rate of 170. With just five required, Kishan tried to end the match in style but unfortunately was caught while sitting at 99 runs. One more run is what the youngster had needed to reach his century in such a crucial match. Nonetheless, Pollard was able to hit the last boundary for a four taking the match into a super over.
3. Another Super Over?
While a standard t20 provides enough fireworks to keep everyone entertained, the excitement levels really do go up a notch if a super over takes place. Luckily for IPL fans, this year saw a total of five super overs with the first one taking place in just the second match. Kings XI Punjab faced off against Delhi Capitals and were seemingly on the way to their first victory. Needing just one run off the last ball, Kagiso Rabada decided to bowl with laser guided precision denying that solitary run and winning the game for DC.
4. Twin Super Overs
While the 2019 World Cup may seem far away, it did give us final that saw not one but two super overs being bowled. It seemed that IPL 2020 was eager to pay their respects to the World Cup and set up their own twin super over showdown in a match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.
Trent Boult was given the responsibility of finishing off the second set of super overs and similar to the WC ’19 it ended with the kiwi on the losing side of things.
5. Controversial Run
With Kings XI Punjab facing Delhi Capitals, Mayank Agarwal ran a double on the third ball of the 19th over. However, the second run was called a short run by the umpire. That one run proved to be extremely crucial as it led to Punjab’s loss also difference between them qualifying to the playoffs and flying back home.
6. Is it a bird? Is it a Plane?…No it’s Pooran!
Fielding is generally quite good in IPL but this year got off to a shaky start with sub-standard displays in the initial matches. However, Nicholas Pooran was having none of it as demonstrated by an unbelievable catch taken by the West Indies superman. Kings XI Punjab were fielding against Rajasthan Royals with big hitter Sanju Samson at the crease.
Samson had already scored 26 off just 14 deliveries and was in the mood of blasting every deliver for a six. Case in point is the shot he played against spinner Murugan Ashwin which was destined to sail over the ropes. That is until, Pooran decided to fly and pluck the ball out of the air to complete a stunning catch!
7. Universe Boss to the Rescue
Kings XI Punjab were experiencing yet another dismal IPL with just one win from seven matches. It was also down to the fact that their star batsman, Chris Gayle was unable to participate in these matches due to a stomach bug. However, once he was physically fit, the Universe Boss made his IPL2020 debut against RCB which resulted in an 8 wicket victory against their opponents.
“It’s the Universe Boss batting. How can I be nervous?” Gayle quipped in his typical style after pocketing the match.
8. Tewatia’s Moment in The Sun
Facing a massive total of 224 in just their second league match, Rajasthan Royals were hoping for a few miracles that would help them reach the finish line. That miracle came in the guise of all-rounder Rahul Tewatia who was promoted to position 4 in the match against Kings XI Punjab.
Tewatia had come in to bat when RR were sitting on 100 runs in nine overs. Unfortunately the all rounder was having a difficult time getting the ball to the boundary and was stuck at 9 runs off 18 deliveries. This was to change very quickly as Tewatia turned things around by smashing five sixes in a single over of Shelton Cottrell.
The end result was the highest-ever successful run chase in IPL history.
9. No 7 in Demand
The once dominant Chennai Super Kings were unable to bring the same level of magic in this year’s edition of IPL. Once it had become clear to cricket fans that CSK would not be able to make the playoffs and that it might be MS Dhoni’s last IPL, his jerseys started flying off the self.
Even other cricketers got into the nostalgia act including Jos Buttler and the Pandya brothers. The good news for CSK fans is that Dhoni will in fact return for next year’s edition of IPL.
10. ‘Definitely Not’
Talking about Dhoni’s retirement, TV presenter Danny Morrison asked him at the toss in Chennai’s last group match against Kings XI Punjab if this would be his last IPL match. Always captain cool, Dhoni responded with his charming smile and just two sweet words “Definitely Not”
