Deccan Chargers Clinches DLF-IPL-2

In a surcharged finale before a packed stadium, Deccan Chargers soared to the summit of the DLF-Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 zenith by overcoming Royal Challengers Bangalore by six runs at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg (South Africa) on May 24, 2009.. The best bowling of the match by Anil Kumble, who claimed four for 16, thus, went in vain, as Challengers choked in their run chase.

In retrospect, South African Hershelle Gibbs carrying his bat through the Chargers’ innings for an unbeaten 53 in 48 balls – painstaking in T20 realm – proved invaluable, coupled with left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha’s decisive return of three for 28, not to mention purple cap winner for most wickets in the competition, R P Singh’s steady showing of one for 16.

End of Mega Event
A glittering closing ceremony, with dash of glitz and glamour, drew curtains on the second edition of the IPL razzmatazz. Soon after the Adam Gilchrist-led Deccan Chargers pipped Anil Kumble's Royal Challengers Bangalore in the see-saw final, cricket paved way to entertainment. The South African President Jacob Zuma declared the tournament closed.

The second edition of the IPL-2 was bigger and better than the inaugural one. New heroes emerged, while some of the old guard left lasting images.

Highlights of IPL-2
Former Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden gave a lesson in T20 batting to all his peers. Hayden was destructive in notching up 546 runs at an astounding average of 54.60 and a strike-rate of 145. He will fittingly take the ‘Orange Cap’ from another Australian — Shaun Marsh, who won it in the inaugural edition.

Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist stood out with his batting and captaincy skills. It was Hayden’s long-time ODI opening partner Adam Gilchrist, who finally tallied 495 runs at a strike-rate of 153. He saved his best for the high-flying Delhi Daredevils, plummelling them for a magnificent 35-ball 85 in the semifinals. His captaincy was also inspirational throughout leading his side to a historic win in the IPL-2 final.

The left-arm Deccan Chargers seam bowler RP Singh was a player on a mission. His scintillating display with the ball for the Deccan Chargers has given him the ‘Purple Cap’ in the tournament. R.P. has so far picked up 23 wickets and has earned a recall into Team India for the World T20 Tournament to be held in England.

The Deccan Chargers batsman Rohit Sharma was declared the Citi ‘Under-23 success of the tournament’ by the IPL. And for good reason too. By the end, the Mumbai batsman had tallied 386 runs and also picked up 11 wickets in IPL-2, including a hat-trick.

The great Indian leg spin wizard, Anil Kumble put up a titanic display. The former India captain turned around a struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore brilliantly and guided them to the IPL-2 final. When Kumble took over, RCB were at the bottom of the table but the team was a rejuvenated unit under him. He has also snared 21 wickets in IPL-2 — the second highest in the tournament — including the best-ever T20 figures so far of 5/5 against Rajasthan Royals.