10. ‘MI’GHTY MUMBAI

59 matches – played at different venues among 8 different teams over a course of 46 days and then at the end comes the Final Match, the one that decides the Ultimate Champion of the Season. The Grand Finale of IPL 10, held at Hyderabad between the two  Maharashtrian forces – Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians turned from a dull and a sluggish affair to the most thrilling clash of all times.

With MI winning the toss and being able to put merely 130 runs on board, it was Pune’s game to lose. Well, Mumbai is the most unpredictable side and this very factor came on display in the 2nd innings of the Finale. With some brilliant decisions and tactics, MI managed to gain momentum. Came the last over which was to be bowled by Johnson and 11 were required off it.

A four in the beginning followed by 2 wickets, a single and a double left Pune needing a 4 on the last ball to win.  Christian and Sundar completed 2 runs and just when they were about to go for the 3rd one, Suchith threw the ball to Parthiv who knocked the stumps. Pune, highly disappointed lost the game, not just a game, the Finals by a run with Smith’s 50 going in vain. It was an ideal final that marked the completion of 10 years of Indian Premier League.

– by Akshata Tilwankar