Bravo and Super Kings go down in thriller

Dwayne Bravo made just five runs from four balls in a losing effort
Dwayne Bravo made just five runs from four balls in a losing effort

BENGALURU, India, CMC – There were no late-game heroics from Dwayne Bravo this time around, as the Chennai Super Kings lost a heartbreaking thriller to Royal Challengers Bangalore by one run in the Indian Premier League here yesterday.

Chasing 162 runs for victory after limiting their opponents to 161 for seven in their 20 overs, Super Kings failed to muster a single off the last bowl to force a Super Over, ending on 160 for eight from 20 overs.

In his brief stay at the crease, Bravo only mustered five runs from four balls.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who blazed an unbeaten 84 from 48 balls, had seemingly led Bangalore to an improbable victory after they needed 26 runs for victory off the final over.

Dhoni smashed three sixes and one four in the first five balls but failed to connect to the last delivery bowled by Umesh Yadav, with just one needed to tie the scores.

Trying to desperately scamper a bye, Shardul Thakur dived to make his ground, but wicketkeeper Parthiv, who had his right glove removed, threw down the stumps with the batsman inches short.

In the other match, neither Sunil Narine nor Andre Russell could prevent the Kolkata Knight Riders from being demolished by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Batting at the top of the order Narine made 25 runs from only eight balls, while Russell made 15 from nine as KKR scrambled to 159 for eight from 20 overs.

Hyderabad’s David Warner then blasted 67 from 38 balls and fellow opener Jonny Bairstow slammed an unbeaten 80 to lead their side to 161 for one off 15 overs.

The pair shared an opening partnership of 131 in 13 overs, to put Hyderabad in full control of the match, with captain Kane Williamson finishing unbeaten on eight.