Champions League Twenty20: Five thrilling finishes

David Hussey(R)

3. Chennai Super Kings v/s Victoria (Port Elizabeth, September 18, 2010)

It was a battle between brothers for the second time in a single year as Mike and David Hussey squared off in the 2010 edition of the Champions League. And with the presence of close friend Doug Bollinger in the rival camp, the latter, leading the Victorian Bushrangers, was going to relish the encounter.

He needn’t have worried. The Bushrangers not only managed to restrict the IPL champions to a gettable total, but also went on to level the scores and sent the game into a Super Over, which they won in grand style, stunning the Yellow Brigade despite Suresh Raina coming good with the ball.

Aaron Finch, who had earlier got the Victorians off to a flying start, was chosen to take first strike in the eliminator, but he only managed a single to bring the skipper on strike. David would now face the wiles of Ashwin, and he achieved the redemption he was looking for by belting three monstrous sixes; he had earlier failed to guide his side to the target, and he didn’t miss his chance this time.

Earlier, Murali Vijay’s rollicking innings formed the bulk of Chennai’s final score, as accurate bowling from Dirk Nannes, Clint McKay and John Hastings prevented the likes of Raina and Dhoni from unfurling the big shots. The Tamil Nadu opener used his feet well and dealt with the short stuff almost imperiously as he carried his IPL form into this game. Sadly for him, his side ended up second-best in a thriller that went right down to the wire.