Capítulo 160: Chapter 158
The Chinnaswamy Stadium was electric with anticipation as RCB embarked on their monumental chase of 221 against KKR. Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, two of the most destructive T20 batsmen, strode to the crease. The crowd was on its feet, hoping for a blazing start.
Narine Strikes Early:
However, their hopes were short-lived. Sunil Narine, the crafty spinner from KKR, had other ideas. In his very first over, he castled the RCB skipper, Virat Kohli. It was a brilliant delivery that turned just enough to beat Virat's bat and crash into the stumps.
Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "What a delivery by Narine! Virat Kohli, the RCB captain, is dismissed early."
Ravi Shastri (with surprise): "Narine has struck gold in his first over. That's a huge blow for RCB."
Soon after, in the same over, Narine got the better of Chris Gayle, who was looking to attack him. The ball spun away from Gayle's blade, and he could only manage an edge that was comfortably pouched by the wicketkeeper.
Harsha Bhogle (with astonishment): "Narine is on fire! He's picked up both the openers in the same over."
Ravi Shastri (with enthusiasm): "This is a dream start for KKR. RCB's powerhouses are back in the pavilion."
Nitish and ABD Take Charge:
With the fall of two quick wickets, the onus was now on Nitish Reddy and AB de Villiers to resurrect the RCB innings. Nitish, the anchor, and ABD, the aggressor, formed a potent partnership. Nitish played with a sense of responsibility, carefully selecting his shots and rotating the strike.
Harsha Bhogle (with appreciation): "Nitish Reddy is playing a mature innings here. He's holding one end while ABD takes the attack to KKR."
Ravi Shastri (with admiration): "Absolutely, Harsha. Nitish knows the importance of building a partnership here."
As AB de Villiers unleashed his wide array of shots, the RCB innings started gaining momentum. ABD was a force to be reckoned with, dispatching bowlers to all corners of the ground. He reached his fifty in just 26 balls, setting the stage for a remarkable chase.
ABD's Blitz and Departure:
AB de Villiers continued his onslaught, clearing the ropes with ease. His innings was a blend of grace and power, a true spectacle for cricket lovers. The KKR bowlers were left scratching their heads, unable to contain him.
Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "AB de Villiers is in a league of his own tonight. He's treating the crowd to a masterclass."
Ravi Shastri (with enthusiasm): "Vintage ABD! He's toying with the KKR bowlers."
However, in the midst of his blitzkrieg, ABD finally perished. It was Narine again, this time with a perfectly disguised delivery that turned sharply. ABD, attempting a lofted shot, could only find the fielder in the deep.
Harsha Bhogle (with surprise): "Narine gets the breakthrough! ABD departs after a sensational innings."
Ravi Shastri (with appreciation): "That's a top-class delivery from Narine. ABD's cameo comes to an end."
Rahul and Watson's Blitz:
With ABD back in the pavilion, RCB needed someone to step up and play a cameo. KL Rahul took on the responsibility and did so with gusto. He played an explosive knock of 28 off just 8 deliveries, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
Ravi Shastri (with excitement): "KL Rahul is playing a gem of an innings. RCB is not giving up without a fight."
Shane Watson, the Australian all-rounder, joined the party. He smashed the ball to all corners of the ground, scoring a quickfire 22 off 10 balls. The required run rate, though still formidable, started to look achievable.
Harsha Bhogle (with enthusiasm): "Watson is hitting them hard! RCB is keeping the scoreboard ticking."
Nitish's Rampage:
As the game entered its final over, the equation was 30 runs required off 6 balls. It seemed an impossible task, but Nitish Reddy had different plans. He had seen the RCB fans' hopes crushed earlier in the tournament, and he was determined not to let that happen again.
Nitish faced the first delivery, but he missed it. KKR started celebrating prematurely, thinking the game was in the bag. But they had underestimated Nitish's resolve.
The next five balls from Andre Russell were dispatched to all corners of the ground with brutal force. Nitish smashed five consecutive sixes, showcasing his raw power and determination. It was like a savage beast unleashed, seeking revenge for Russell's earlier onslaught against him.
Harsha Bhogle (with amazement): "Unbelievable! Nitish Reddy is single-handedly keeping RCB alive with this onslaught."
Ravi Shastri (with excitement): "What a remarkable turnaround! Nitish Reddy is hitting sixes at will."
The Chinnaswamy Stadium was in a frenzy. RCB fans, who had been disheartened moments ago, were now dancing with joy. Nitish's fearless hitting had brought them back from the brink of defeat.
The Miraculous Victory:
The final ball arrived with RCB needing six to win. Russell, who had been taken to the cleaners in this over, delivered a full toss. Nitish, in the zone, swung his bat with all his might. The ball soared over the boundary ropes for another six, sealing a miraculous victory for RCB.
Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "It's a six! RCB has pulled off an incredible win. What a finish!"
Ravi Shastri (with disbelief): "I can't believe what I've just witnessed! Nitish Reddy, take a bow."
Nitish Reddy had etched his name in the history books with a stunning display of power hitting. His unbeaten 80 off 41 balls had turned an impossible chase into an unforgettable victory.
Man of the Match: AB de Villiers:
Despite Nitish's heroics, the Man of the Match award went to AB de Villiers for his scintillating innings that had set the stage for the dramatic finish.
In a post-match presentation ceremony, Murali Kartik, the former cricketer and commentator, interviewed AB de Villiers.
Murali Kartik (with enthusiasm): "AB, what a fantastic innings it was. How did you approach this chase?"
AB de Villiers (with a smile): "Well, Murali, I knew we had to attack from the beginning. Nitish played a gem of an innings, and it was a pleasure to watch from the other end."
Murali Kartik (with admiration): "You set the platform beautifully. What's your secret to playing such breathtaking innings?"
AB de Villiers (with humility): "I try to stay calm and focused, pick the right balls to hit, and just enjoy my cricket. It was a team effort, and I'm glad we pulled off this win."
Despite not winning the Man of the Match award, Nitish Reddy's rampage in the final over was etched in the memories of RCB fans. It was a night when cricket's unpredictability and the brilliance of individual performances took center stage.
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