IPL: Top 5 batting performances in the IPL playoffs
This year's IPL has already progressed to its playoff stage. The first qualifier will be between two of the best teams in the tournament, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium.
The playoff stage has been in the IPL since its fourth edition after the semi-finals were scrapped off following season-3.
So far, a total of 21 matches have been at the playoff stage. In these 21 matches, there have been numerous brilliant performances with the bat which have mesmerized the crowd.
So without any further ado, let's take a look at the top 5 batting performances in the IPL playoffs.
#5. Brad Hodge vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2013
This was the eliminator of IPL 2013 and the teams playing were Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at Delhi.
The Sunrisers won the toss and elected to bat first. Some fine bowling from the Royals restricted them to a modest total of 132/7.
In reply, Rajasthan Royals began well with skipper Rahul Dravid hitting three early boundaries. However, he was dismissed at the end of the second over.
Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane batted well and the Royals were in a decent position at 50/1.
However, Watson's dismissal triggered a collapse in the RR batting as they were soon 57/5. At this stage, Sanju Samson and Brad Hodge were at the crease.
Samson batted calmly while Hodge played a couple of big shots. The duo added 45 runs for the 6th wicket before Samson was dismissed by Steyn.
Hodge, assisted by James Faulkner kept, the Royals alive and they needed 10 runs to win from the final over. The final over was bowled by Darren Sammy who conceded just 15 runs from his three overs and picked up two wickets.
In the first ball, Hodge pelted a short delivery from Sammy over backward square-leg for a six and RR needed 6 from 5.
The next ball was fuller from Sammy but Hodge connected well and hit the ball over long on for another six and the Royals won the match. After hitting the six, Hodge celebrated by doing Sammy's "rock the baby" celebration.
Hodge ended the match with 54 from 29 deliveries. This innings rightfully got him the Man of the Match award but most importantly, kept Rajasthan Royals in the competition.