Crackerjack
The IPL gets into top gear with a sizzler of a game
Patrick Cameron-Smith
24-Apr-2009
Kamran Khan: frog in a blinder • AFP
Team supported
Rajasthan Royals. Team of local hero and current South Africa national skipper. They blend youth with experience well, and can you ever take your eyes off magician Shane Warne when he bowls?
Rajasthan Royals. Team of local hero and current South Africa national skipper. They blend youth with experience well, and can you ever take your eyes off magician Shane Warne when he bowls?
Star performer
Kamran Khan, who bowled beautifully, and with his outlandish action generated pace and took the crucial wicket of Sourav Ganguly, which forced the game into the tie-break. He ended with 3 for 18 from four overs and was thus entrusted to bowl the Super Over and help secure the match.
Kamran Khan, who bowled beautifully, and with his outlandish action generated pace and took the crucial wicket of Sourav Ganguly, which forced the game into the tie-break. He ended with 3 for 18 from four overs and was thus entrusted to bowl the Super Over and help secure the match.
Wow moment
Youngster Kamran Khan dismissing veteran Ganguly on the penultimate ball with just two runs required for victory.
Youngster Kamran Khan dismissing veteran Ganguly on the penultimate ball with just two runs required for victory.
One thing I'd have changed about the match
It dragged on a bit. Whether it was weather delays, Shane Warne fine-tuning his field for each delivery, farcical breaks in innings, or the rather exciting tie-break, it took its time.
It dragged on a bit. Whether it was weather delays, Shane Warne fine-tuning his field for each delivery, farcical breaks in innings, or the rather exciting tie-break, it took its time.
The face-off I relished
Undoubtedly Ajantha Mendis v Yusuf Pathan. Yusuf was clear he was not going to let the Sri Lankan just bowl at him. After he smashed one away he skied one, which was taken, but not often do you get a second innings. Déjà vu loomed as one landed in no-man's land in the Super Over, but Pathan went on to crash his way to victory.
Undoubtedly Ajantha Mendis v Yusuf Pathan. Yusuf was clear he was not going to let the Sri Lankan just bowl at him. After he smashed one away he skied one, which was taken, but not often do you get a second innings. Déjà vu loomed as one landed in no-man's land in the Super Over, but Pathan went on to crash his way to victory.
Star-spotting
Rugby hero Francois Pienaar, as well as some recent cricket legends, who were seen on the screen settling in the corporate stands.
Rugby hero Francois Pienaar, as well as some recent cricket legends, who were seen on the screen settling in the corporate stands.
Cheerleader factor
Although the Kolkata girls were very neat in their black and gold strips, it was the cheerleaders in red, Kingfisher's beautiful blondes, who attracted the most attention. They were synchronised, sexy and stylish and kept moving smoothly. What better way to keep themselves and the crowd hot on a rather chilly evening.
Although the Kolkata girls were very neat in their black and gold strips, it was the cheerleaders in red, Kingfisher's beautiful blondes, who attracted the most attention. They were synchronised, sexy and stylish and kept moving smoothly. What better way to keep themselves and the crowd hot on a rather chilly evening.
Crowd Meter
The stands were sparse to begin with due to delays but became vocal in their support. Mexican waves swept around and as the crowd built up. Towards the nail-biting climax, the masses really made themselves heard.
The stands were sparse to begin with due to delays but became vocal in their support. Mexican waves swept around and as the crowd built up. Towards the nail-biting climax, the masses really made themselves heard.
Banner of the Day
"Let's take King Khan for a Royal ride"
"Let's take King Khan for a Royal ride"
Music
Some Indian music was played by the DJ with success, but unfortunately he mainly stuck to the tried and tested, overdone chart toppers from years gone by.
Some Indian music was played by the DJ with success, but unfortunately he mainly stuck to the tried and tested, overdone chart toppers from years gone by.
Overall
After getting such a slow start to the match and with rather gloomy weather, who would've expected we would get a spectacle? It really came alive towards the end and got everybody involved. I believe this is exactly what the tournament needed at this stage.
After getting such a slow start to the match and with rather gloomy weather, who would've expected we would get a spectacle? It really came alive towards the end and got everybody involved. I believe this is exactly what the tournament needed at this stage.
Marks out of 10
9
9
 |