The Rajasthan Royals have won the inaugural edition of the IPL in a thrilling last ball ending. Batting first, the Chennai Super Kings put on 163 runs for the loss of 5 wickets largely due to contributions by Parthiv Patel (38), Suresh Raina (43) and Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29*). Chasing 164 for victory, the Royals got off to a steady start but went on to lose three quick wickets such that they were struggling at 44 for 3 after 7 overs. However, Yusuf Pathan (56), who had earlier taken 3 wickets for 22 runs in the Super Kings' innings had other plans and displayed some cool temperament, hitting sixes almost at will when the pressure started mounting.
Handy contributions came from the bats of Shane Watson (28) and Swapnil Asnodkar (28). Just when it looked like they would cruise to an easy win, some close run-outs took it right down to the wire and with 12 runs required off the last 7 balls, skipper Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir held their nerves and sealed the win with the winning run coming off the last ball. It truly was a fitting finish to a thrilling tournament that has engrossed the attention of the entire world.
