Otago vs RR, 18th Match, Group A at Jaipur, , Oct 01 2013 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Well there you have it. Rajasthan Royals extend their home winning streak to 12 matches, and Otago's 15-match winning streak comes to its denouement. It was a fascinating match, and even with the low total, there were some surprises thrown in as well. For now, this is Rohan Sharma saying good night, and good luck.

Rahul Shukla (RR), Man of the Match: His plan was to bowl as well as he could, and he was pretty relaxed. Captain backs me a lot and I bowl well because of it, (Rahul interjects) so he is going to get a lot more bowling. Very happy to be in the side.

Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals captain: In the end, you know, it got pretty nerve-wracking in those last five overs. Incredible innings from Hodgy there to get us over the line. I think there is a lot of belief in our group and a good environment among the group and I think the young guys who come in know they are backed and that they are in the team for specific reasons. Not a surprise as he has specific skills so its about building confidence and creating a good environment around them so they can contribute and play. When he bats like that, why should Hodge bat up the order? There are not many people who can do what he does, and I haven't seen many people who can bat at the end of the innings under pressure like he does. I think we are a well organised unit. The unbeaten record is not that important. I just hope we can keep it for one more game. In the end we want to keep the momentum going and we knew in the back of our mind that even if we did qualify for the semi finals, then we would get an extra day off before the final. So its nice to get the home game (semi-final), and then have a day off before the final. It's nice to get over the line

Brendon McCullum, Otago Volts captain: Yeah from the position we were in early on (21 for 4), I thought we did a really good job to get to 140, and especially with the ball, we showed some good fighting abilities. The way Hodge played at the end was brilliant. It didn't take me by surprise, I thought he (Shukla) bowled a couple of good deliveries, he had some nice pace about him. Three wickets in one over, and between him and Hodgy, it proved a match winning performance. yeah we will be looking at the Mumbai-Perth game (closely). We didn't grab it (the opportunity) so whatever happens tomorrow will happens. But if we do find ourselves out, we will be grateful for what we have done in this tournament.

Brad Hodge, Rajasthan Royals batsman: It is never that easy. It's a bit of calculation and mathematics. Trying to figure out the maths involved and work out the boundaries, and get lucky as well with some getting over the fence. Yeah we got ourselves into a bit of a hole, and we sort of let them back into the game, but that is the quality of the side as we have the confidence to take on any side. We were trying to work out what they were doing as well, doing a little bit of preempting on our part. Its also important to know which bowlers are left and picking your moments.

Do stay tuned for the match presentation, which is not too far away.

Everyone is going bananas. Hodge is running wildly in celebration as Rajasthan's citadel is safeguarded for another day. That makes it 12 on the trot at home, and Otago's much storied 15-match winning streak comes to an eventful end. Dravid is all smiles as his Royals finish the group stage undefeated. Good fight from Otago, considering where they were in the first innings, and they took this as close as they could with some good tight bowling in intervals, not to mention some timely wickets as well. Neesham picked up three, but it was not enough as Royals hold on to a four-wicket victory, and also get the privilege of having their semi-final played at home, which based on recent history, may just well prove the difference from them.

Ian Butler to bowl the final over, but with 2 needed off 6, it might just be the end of Otago's winning streak

Hitesh: "Rahane seems to lack mental strength to finish things off"

Kevon Cooper is the new batsman

Karandeep Nagpal: "And Rahane chokes almost everytime. Remeber RR vs DELHI in IPL 2012 when RR needed 18 in 17 balls with 9 wickets in hand and Rahane still there. RR lost :/"

James Faulkner is the new batsman with Butler, who has two overs left, into the attack

Vicky Rhodes: "Hodge: A Player in need is a Player indeed. He delivers everytime.."

Prashant: "I think Brad Hodge is in Hurry to finish up the things"

Neesham into the attack