Manvinder Bisla’s explosive innings powers Kolkata Knight Riders to a historic victory over Chennai Super Kings

In the cricketing world, there are moments that transcend the game itself, becoming timeless tales of grit, glory, and unheralded heroes. Such was the night of May 27, 2012, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) claimed their first IPL title in a nerve-wracking final against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

The architect of this historic win was the unassuming Manvinder Bisla, whose scintillating knock of 89 off 48 balls transformed him from an unknown quantity into a household name.

CSK’s commanding total

The Chennai Super Kings, known for their formidable record in IPL finals, set a daunting target of 191. The innings was built on solid contributions from Michael Hussey (54) and Murali Vijay (42), with Suresh Raina playing a blinder and smashing 73 off 38 balls. 

Raina’s knock included a barrage of boundaries that left KKR’s bowlers reeling. Despite the onslaught, KKR managed to keep their wits about them, pulling the game back slightly in the death overs to keep CSK under 200.

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The architect of KKR’s victory

KKR’s response

The chase began on a shaky note for KKR as their captain and lynchpin, Gautam Gambhir, was bowled by Ben Hilfenhaus in the very first over for a duck. The dismissal sent a ripple of concern through the KKR camp and their fans.

However, what followed was an innings of sheer brilliance and audacity from Manvinder Bisla, ably supported by the seasoned Jacques Kallis.

Bisla’s blitzkrieg

With the asking rate climbing, Bisla decided to take the bull by the horns. He targeted Albie Morkel early on, smashing him for four consecutive boundaries in the fourth over. This assault set the tone for KKR’s chase, with Bisla playing shots all around the ground. 

The partnership between Bisla and Kallis was pivotal, as they stitched together a 136-run stand that turned the tide in KKR’s favour. Kallis played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and ensuring Bisla faced the majority of deliveries. 

Credit: @KKRiders

Bisla in attacking mode

Bisla’s moment of glory

Bisla’s innings, studded with eight boundaries and five sixes, were brought to an abrupt end on 89 when he was deceived by a slower ball from Morkel, slicing a catch to point. 

Despite missing out on a century, Bisla had done enough to keep KKR in the hunt. Kallis then took the mantle, playing a series of audacious strokes to keep the momentum going.

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Kallis holds his nerve and deliver

Kallis and the lower order

As the game neared its climax, KKR experienced a few nervous moments. Laxmi Shukla and Yusuf Pathan fell cheaply, adding to the tension. Kallis (69), battling cramps, was dismissed in the penultimate over, leaving KKR needing nine runs off the final over. The pressure was palpable, but Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary held their nerve.

With two singles off the first two balls of the last over, KKR still needed seven runs from four balls. Tiwary then stepped up, striking consecutive boundaries behind square leg to seal the win and trigger jubilant celebrations among the KKR players and fans.

Credit: @KKRWeRule

KKR with the trophy

A valiant yet fruitless attempt

CSK’s innings were built on a strong foundation, with Hussey and Vijay putting on 87 for the first wicket. Raina’s blitzkrieg thereafter seemed to have taken the game away from KKR, but cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, as evidenced by the night’s proceedings.