Remembering the Man of the Match performances in all IPL finals
The Indian Premier League has been one of the most popular T20 Leagues in the world. Players from different countries participate in the cash-rich league to stake a claim for selection in the process. All the top Indian players participate in IPL, which has now become an abode to find young talent.
Players from West Indies, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have always grabbed a lot of attention. Afghanistan has a footprint as well and England, who had initially resisted to be a part of the IPL, joined the bandwagon recently after envisioning long-term benefits.
The Indian Premier League has produced some special performances over the years. There is fierce competition between the eight teams over 60 days. Unimaginable records have been created and the cricket played is top billing. Each and every game is a spectacle for the fans as it is all number driven. Every six, boundary, wicket, fifty or a hundred makes an impact in the final scoreline.
Lets look into such impact performances in all IPL finals.
#1 Yusuf Pathan - 56 (39) and 3/22 - RR V CSK, 2008 in Mumbai
Chennai Super Kings were playing the in-form Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural final of the IPL in 2008. Shane Warne won the toss and put CSK into bat. Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina played useful knocks of 38 and 43, respectively. A few lusty blows from the blade of MS Dhoni and Albie Morkel helped CSK reach a respectable 163. Yusuf Pathan was the pick of the bowlers for Rajasthan picking 3/22 in 4 overs.
Rajasthan lost a couple of early wickets, but Swapnil Asknodkar's 28 from 20 balls gave them impetus. After he has dismissed, Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan consolidated the innings with a 65-run stand. Once Pathan was dismissed for 56, it looked all but over for Rajasthan. 19 were required from 14 balls, but captain Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir held their nerve and knocked off the remaining runs.
Pathan's all round effort earned him the MoM in the first ever IPL final.