On 2nd May 2009, Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals competed at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth in the 25th match of the IPL 2009 season. Deccan Chargers won the toss and opted to bat first.
Gilchrist shows the way
Although, Herschelle Gibbs (8) and Azhar Bilakhia (1) returned to the pavilion quickly, it was Adam Gilchrist , the captain of Deccan Chargers, who led from the front and demonstrated the way to his team. He faced 35 deliveries and smashed 2 sixers and 5 boundaries on way to 39. His strike rate was 111.42. After his departure, Rohit Sharma and Tirumalsetti Suman took charge of the innings. A 69 run partnership was collaborated by them. After 16.5 overs, Sharma was out on 38 off 32 balls, inclusive of 2 fours and 2 sixers. Suman remained unbeaten till the very end and scored 41 in 30 balls. After 20 overs, Deccan Chargers collected 141 runs for 5 wickets.
Raut and Pathan sparkle
The start was ominous for the Royals. In 1.6 overs, they were reduced to 3 for 3. At this stage, Lee Carseldine clobbered 6 boundaries and in 32 balls added 39 runs. Ravindra Jadeja held his wicket for 17 balls in which he collected 12 runs. Two partnerships took place that altered the course of the game. First was between Shane Warne and Abhishek Raut. They added 36 runs in 4.2 overs. Warne made 21 runs in 17 balls. Second was between Raut and Yusuf Pathan. Pathan was at his natural best and struck 2 sixers and 2 fours while accruing 24 runs in 14 balls. After the exit of Pathan, Raut stuck to the crease and ensured a win. He remained not out on 36 in 23 deliveries (4 boundaries). In 19.4 overs, Royals scored 142 runs for 7 wickets.
Player of the Match
The Player of the Match was Yusuf Pathan for his all round performance. He bowled 4 overs, conceded only 19 runs and took 1 wicket.