Raza helps Punjab down Chennai in last-ball IPL thriller
Monday, 1 May 2023
CHENNAI, India, Apr 30 (AFP): Zimbabwe batsman Sikandar Raza helped Punjab Kings pull off a stunning chase to edge out Chennai Super Kings by four wickets in a last-ball Indian Premier League thriller on Sunday.
Chasing 201 for victory, Liam Livingstone (40), Sam Curran (29) and Jitesh Sharma (21) played attacking cameos before Pakistan-born Raza sealed the win with his unbeaten 13 in Chennai.
Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was tasked with bowling the final over, with Punjab needing nine to win. Raza got three runs off the final ball, his arms outstretched in celebration.
Punjab moved to fifth in the 10-team table, one below Chennai. Holders Gujarat Titans top the standings.
Devon Conway's 92 off 52 balls proved to be in vain after the left-handed New Zealand opener steered Chennai to 200-4, having elected to bat first.
Livingstone and the left-handed Curran, who became the most expensive player in the tournament's history at $2.23 million, revived the chase after Punjab fell to 94-3.