A thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where a scintillating knock from Rohit Sharma and a Trent Boult masterclass left the Delhi Capitals gasping for air
The IPL 2020 final was an absolutely thrilling showdown that has since set the standard for high-pressure T20 cricket. When the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) went head-to-head on November 10, 2020, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, very few could have imagined the exciting drama that was about to unfold.
The match was largely shaped by two incredible players: Rohit Sharma and Trent Boult. What started as a seemingly straightforward chase for MI transformed into an intense battle where every ball became crucial, and each run felt like a precious victory.
Credit: ESPN
Delhi Capitals came to the crease first, setting a modest total of 156/7. It wasn't a score that would send shivers down the spine, but in the high-stakes final, every run was valuable. DC's innings featured a mix of steady accumulation and unfortunate wickets.
Shreyas Iyer top-scored with a 50-ball 65, a knock that showed resolve but wasn't quite enough to ignite a fiery total. Alongside him, Rishabh Pant contributed with a quickfire 56 off 38 balls, ensuring Delhi posted something defensible.
Credit: ESPN
But the real story began earlier, when MI took the ball. Trent Boult, the wily Kiwi pacer, made the breakthrough by dismissing Marcus Stoinis (0) on the first ball of the final and Ajinkya Rahane (2) early in the innings.
His figures of 3/30 from four overs were a testament to his accuracy and ability to secure crucial wickets at the start. Boult was on fire from ball one, never allowing DC to build any meaningful partnerships.
Credit: NDTV
Chasing 157 wasn't the hardest of tasks, but every target can feel like a mountain in a final. Mumbai's captain, Rohit Sharma, faced the pressure with characteristic calm. The man often called "Hitman" for his destructive batting rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
His knock of 68 runs off 51 balls was a steady, composed effort that helped MI keep their heads above water. Rohit played the anchor role with 4 sixes and 5 boundaries, guiding his team closer to the target without losing his cool. Even as wickets fell around him, Rohit ensured the game never slipped away from MI.
Credit: ESPN
Rohit's efforts were a case of measured aggression. His strike rate of 133.33 showcased his ability to pace the chase while also hitting boundaries at the right time. His partnership with Ishan Kishan (33* off 19 balls) saw MI easily reach the target, closing in at 157/5 in 18.4 overs, with 8 balls to spare.
Although MI's team effort was fantastic, the standout performances of Trent Boult and Rohit Sharma tipped the balance in their favour. Boult's knack for making early breakthroughs and Rohit's calm and collected chase ensured that the Delhi Capitals couldn't land that knockout blow.
As the IPL 2020 final came to a close, it wasn't just about the team's victory; it was a remarkable tale of two players who rose to the occasion and delivered when their team needed them the most.
Credit: ESPN
.webp)
