The Royal Challengers Bangalore kept their playoff hopes on course with a last-over victory over the Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2014 match in Ranchi.
On a pitch which was very difficult for batting, CSK managed to put on 138 for four in their 20 overs. The wicket only got slower, with plenty of turn as well, but RCB just had enough firepower to get home in the penultimate ball of the final over.
"I thought 138 was enough as we knew the ball would slow down further," said CSK skipper MS Dhoni, whose decision to give David Hussey the final over did not quite work out. "We had to bowl in the right areas but I think the spinners did that and maintained the pressure on the batsmen, hence why it was a close game.
"Overall I think we played a good game of cricket. Catches win matches and we dropped a few today. Apart from that, I'm happy. They bowled superbly at the death and we weren't able to capitalise. But yes, overall I think we were good."
The win takes RCB level on points with fourth-placed Kolkata Knight Riders, who can go two points clear in the battle for the final playoff spot with a win over the Sunrisers Hyderabad later on Sunday. However, is SRH win at home, then all three teams will be on 10 points with three games each remaining.
"Great win for us, especially after the way the wicket played in the second innings," RCB captain Virat Kohli said at the presentation ceremony. "Today was a great example of the character in the side. You have Gayle hitting out there, then AB and Yuvi in such form, you back your team.
"It was about rotating strike as much as possible and hitting with the turn and not trying something fancy. Because with the old ball, it wasn't turning as much so you can stay on the back foot and work it away."
Man of the match AB De Villiers turned the game in RCB's favour with a 14-ball 28, and the South African admitted the pitch was a nightmare for the batsmen. "It was probably one of the most difficult wickets that I played on," he said. "But, I got some of the balls away.
"I looked foolish a couple of times but took it to the end. I was disappointed to get out, but Yuvi did it for us in the end."
