3 things we learnt from the Royals vs Chargers game

Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers faced off in a high-scoring thriller at The Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday. Royals snatched victory from the brink of defeat chasing a mammoth 197. In the end they got there with two balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand. On the whole, the match was a pulsating affair as both teams engaged in a neck-to-neck fight till the end. Rahul Dravid‘s cameo of 42 from 24 balls was noteworthy!

He is 40, but still one of the best in T20

No this time it’s not Rahul Dravid but Brad Hodge. The Victorian showed his class, as he guided RR to a victory in the close encounter. With the required rate hovering at 12 when he came out to bat, RR seemed to be slightly losing the plot. With Owais Shah and Johan Botha departing in quick succession, it all but seemed over until Hodge turned things around. T20′s highest run-getter didn’t disappoint his fans as he smashed 48 off 21 balls to spark off celebrations in the Pink City. A stunning catch the other night, and a quickfire 48, Hodge is still a threat.

DC have a knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

It was DC vs MI all over again. When the opposition seem almost down and out, DC somehow let things loose and end up losing the game. It happened against Mumbai last week and it happened again against the Royals. Against Mumbai, Dale Steyn was breathing fire and had Mumbai on the mat. With 18 needed off the last over, it needed some magic of Rohit Sharma‘s bat to see Mumbai through. One might have thought MI just got lucky but it happened again. With more than 70 needed in the last 6 and RR’s in-form batsmen out, DC seemed to be heading for a win. But some ordinary bowling helped RR get over the line with a couple of deliveries to fail. If the match preview said bowling was DC’s strength, the match-analysis said ordinary bowling led to defeat.

Expect the unexpected this IPLIPL-5 has already managed to provide some unexpected results. One expected CSK vs MI to be a cracking opener, but it turned out to be a lop-sided affair. We have seen some one-sided affairs as well as some exciting last ball finishes. With all the teams looking equally good, don’t be surprised if NRR comes into play to decide the final-4. With still a long way to go, it’s too early to decide who’ll go all the way. Enjoy the drama and action as it unfolds everyday in true IPL fashion. Cheers and have a blast!