IPL 2019: Top Exciting Moments from Week 3 | Part 2

Kieron Pollard’s blistering hitting, Ben Stokes’ dramatic last over, MS Dhoni’s infamous game intervention and many more as we revisit the part 2 of the key moments from week 3 of IPL 2019.

#4: THE MONSTROUS PERFORMANCE FROM KIERON POLLARD 

After having a slightly dull tournament, Kieron Pollard finally got into the groove as he scripted one of the best IPL chases on his captaincy debut.

Batting first, KXIP gave a solid target of 198 in 20 overs, courtesy of KL Rahul’s brilliant century and an igniting Gayle Storm. Chasing 198, MI looked in disarray as they were reduced to 65-3 at the end of 9 overs.

Kieron Pollard, who is generally a slow starter, kept the runs flowing from the start. His first attacking shot was a six as he scored his first 25 runs off just 11 balls.

With 104 needed off the last 8 overs, Kieron Pollard went into beast mode as he smashed 58 of his next 20 balls. His blistering 83(31) with 3 fours and 10 Sixes took the game closer.

By the time he got out in the 19^th over, the damage had already been done as MI scripted a last-ball finish to clinch an empathetic win.

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#3: CSK, CHENNAI PITCHES AND MS DHONI 100 WINS IN IPL

Chennai for years has been the fortress for the Chennai Super Kings as the touring teams often find it difficult to snatch a win on CSK’s home turf. 

Mumbai Indians were the last team to win an IPL match in Chennai, which happened in 2015. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals haven’t won a match in Chennai since 2008 while Sunrisers Hyderabad are yet to win a match in Chennai. That’s the kind of home advantage CSK have been able to leverage on to the fullest. 

MS Dhoni’s captaincy has played a pivotal role in CSK’s huge success at home over the years. Even this year, CSK defended 2 totals successfully without their premier death overs bowler, Dwayne Bravo. This shows how MS Dhoni knows his bowlers’ strengths and weaknesses and uses them perfectly according to the situation. 

The win against RR was MS Dhoni’s 100th win in the IPL. He also became the first captain to muster 100 wins in the IPL.

#2: AN UNCHARACTERISTIC KL RAHUL BATTING

KL Rahul is known for his flamboyant hitting ability. In IPL 2018, he scored a total of 659 runs from 14 innings at a superb strike-rate of 158.41. This includes his 14 balls fifty against the Delhi Capitals.

However, this year, KL Rahul has tweaked his approach slightly as he has been more cautious with his shot selection, and has been following a conservative approach. 

In the 7 matches he has played till now, he has scored consistently as he mustered a total of 317 runs, however at a relatively slower strike rate of 131.53. While this is not a bad strike rate, it isn’t the KL Rahul we have been knowing. 

In the run-chase against the SRH, where KXIP required 151 from the 20 overs, KL Rahul as has been in this IPL started slowly. His first 25 runs came off 23 deliveries. With Mayank Agarwal playing the role of the aggressor, KL Rahul was happily playing the role of the second fiddle. He did accelerate when required as he ended on 71 runs from 53 deliveries, thus guiding his team to a victory. 

The difference in approach has certainly been a talking point in the IPL. It would be interesting to see how KL Rahul carries this approach going forward.

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#1: THE DRAMATIC LAST OVER BETWEEN CSK AND RR

The last over between the CSK and RR has been one of the most dramatic overs we have witnessed in the IPL.

Chasing 152, RR rocked back CSK with 4 quick wickets for just 24 runs. However, a 95 runs partnership between MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu got back CSK in the game.

With 19 required off the last over, Stokes was given the responsibility to bowl to one of the best finishers in the world, MS Dhoni.

19.1: The first ball saw an unbelievable six hit by Ravindra Jadeja. Both Stokes and Jadeja fell on the ground as they saw the ball landing in the stands.

19.2: No-Ball, Single

19.2: 2 runs ( 10 required off 4)

19.3: A turning point in the game as an amazing yorker from Stokes uprooted MS Dhoni’s middle-stump. ‘Santner joins Jadeja’ 

19.4: 2 runs, The highlight of the match as MS Dhoni lost his cool, ran on the field to discuss a possibility of a no ball, given by the main umpire.  However, after a small altercation with the umpires, It was declared a legitimate delivery.

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19.5: 2 runs

19.5: Wide

19.6: A slower delivery from Stokes, and a fantastic shot from Santner for a six ended all the suspense to this thriller dramatic over. An overjoyed CSK camp came bursting on the ground as CSK snatched a win against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur for the first time since 2012.

While CSK won the match, all the commentators and critics have been critical of MS Dhoni’s infamous act of intervention in the middle of the match.

Ravindra Jadeja also became the 13^th bowler to take 100 wickets in the IPL. He now has 100 wickets from 133 innings at an average of 29.41 and an economy rate of 7.62.

That’s about it from Week 3 of IPL 2019.

IPL 2019 STATS- 12 APR, 2019

1. Orange Cap: 349 (David Warner, SRH)
2. Purple Cap: 13 (Kagiso Rabada, DC)
3. Highest Score: 114* (56) (Jonny Bairstow, SRH)
4. Best Bowling: 6-12 (Alzarri Joseph, MI)

Thanks for reading! Which of the above mentioned IPL 2019 Week 3 moments did you enjoy the most? Please, let’s know in the comments. 

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ALSO READ: IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians (MI) Team Rating by AK4Tsay1 Cricket

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