The day of the 2017 Indian Premier League Final arrived.
The city of Hyderabad was completely awake. The streets leading to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium were packed with cars, buses, and thousands of people walking. Every single person seemed to be wearing an orange jersey. Shop owners sold orange flags on the sidewalks. The home team was playing in the final, and the city was ready to support them.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was incredible. Thirty-nine thousand fans filled the seats. The noise was a constant, loud hum that vibrated through the concrete walls.
The VIP corporate boxes were completely full of special guests.
Kalanithi Maran, the owner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, sat in the main owner's box with his family. His daughter, Kavya Maran, wore a bright orange team jersey and smiled as she looked out at the massive crowd.
In the box right next to the owners, a very famous group of guests had arrived upon Siddanth Deva's personal invitation.
Victory Venkatesh, the veteran Telugu movie star and a massive cricket fan, stood near the glass window, clapping his hands and waving to the fans below.
Next to him stood Rana Daggubati, Gopi Chand, and Prabhas. The three tall actors were talking quietly, pointing at the pitch. S.S. Rajamouli, the famous director, sat in a chair, taking in the grand scale of the event.
Sushanth Singh Rajput watched the ground staff prepare the field. Anirudh Ravichander, the music director, stood near the back, enjoying the loud stadium music.
"The noise is unbelievable," Anirudh said, looking at the packed stands. "It is louder than a movie theater on opening day."
"This is Hyderabad," Venkatesh laughed loudly. "When our team plays a final here, the whole city turns up. Just wait until Deva walks out."
In the third VIP box, Siddanth's friends were gathered. Arjun Reddy, Sameer, and Feroz sat together. They had taken a break from managing the NEXUS operations to watch their friend play the biggest match of the year.
In the fourth VIP box, Krithika was already on her feet, leaning over the glass barrier with an orange flag draped over her shoulders. She wore a simple white shirt with an Orange jacket. She was surrounded by her best friends, Riya and Kavya.
Sitting right next to them was Anjali, who had brought her entire college group: Spoorthy, Jyothi, Surya, Pooja, and Vicky. The college students held large orange flags and took pictures of the actors in the next box. The families and wives of the other Sunrisers players shared the large space, talking and eating snacks from the hospitality table.
At the center of the stadium, the television broadcast began. Gaurav Kapur stood on the grass with Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen for the pre-match show.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium!" Gaurav Kapur said to the camera. "Just listen to that crowd. We are here for the grand final. Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on the Mumbai Indians."
"The atmosphere is electric, Gaurav," Sunil Gavaskar added. "It is a true home advantage for Hyderabad today. Mumbai Indians have a tough job. They have to face the best bowling attack in the tournament right here."
"All of us in the studio predicted Sunrisers Hyderabad to win," Gaurav Kapur reminded the viewers. "We believe this Hyderabad team is simply perfect. They have no weaknesses. Let's see if Mumbai can prove us wrong. Let's go to the toss."
The camera cut to Ravi Shastri. Rohit Sharma and Siddanth Deva walked out from the tunnel.
The moment Siddanth stepped onto the grass, the thirty-nine thousand fans screamed his name simultaneously. The sound shook the cameras.
"I can barely hear myself!" Ravi Shastri announced loudly to the stadium. "I have the two captains here. Rohit Sharma has the coin. Siddanth, you call."
Rohit flipped the coin.
"Heads," Siddanth called.
The coin landed.
"It is heads," Ravi Shastri said. "Sunrisers Hyderabad win the toss."
Ravi turned to Siddanth. "Siddanth, what is your decision?"
"We will field first, Ravi bhai," Siddanth said calmly. "The dew will settle in the second innings. We want to restrict them and chase the target."
"Any changes to your team?"
"No changes," Siddanth confirmed. "Same eleven as the semi-final."
Ravi turned to Rohit Sharma. "Rohit, you have to bat first."
"We wanted to bat first anyway," Rohit said. "Put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure. We have the same team as well."
The captains shook hands.
A few minutes later, the umpires walked out to the middle. The Sunrisers Hyderabad players ran onto the field. Siddanth stood at mid-off.
Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons walked out to open the batting for the Mumbai Indians. Trent Boult took the new white ball.
Up in the broadcast box, the first pair of commentators took their seats. Danny Morrison and Pommie Mbangwa were on the microphones.
0.1 Trent Boult ran in and bowled a fast in-swinger. Parthiv Patel stepped forward and drove it past cover for a single.
"And we are underway in the IPL Final!" Danny Morrison shouted. "Parthiv gets off the mark immediately."
0.2 Boult bowled a length ball. Simmons pushed it to mid-off. No run.
0.3 Boult bowled slightly wider. Simmons cut the ball past the point fielder. The ball raced across the grass for a boundary. Four runs.
0.4 Boult bowled a fast bouncer. Simmons ducked under it. No run.
0.5 Boult bowled on the pads. Simmons flicked it to deep square leg for a single.
0.6 Boult bowled a straight delivery. Parthiv pushed it to the leg side for a single.
Mumbai Indians were 7 for 0.
Siddanth tossed the ball to Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
1.1 Bhuvneshwar ran in and bowled a perfect out-swinger. Parthiv left it alone. No run.
1.2 Bhuvneshwar bowled a fuller delivery. Parthiv drove the ball through the covers for a boundary. Four runs.
1.3 Bhuvneshwar bowled on the middle stump. Parthiv pushed it to mid-on for a single.
1.4 Bhuvneshwar bowled a length ball. Simmons pushed it to cover for a single.
1.5 Bhuvneshwar ran in and bowled a fast in-swinger aimed straight at the pads.
Parthiv Patel tried to play a flick shot but missed the ball completely. The ball hit his front pad. Bhuvneshwar appealed. The umpire raised his finger for LBW.
"Given out!" Pommie Mbangwa yelled. "Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets the first breakthrough! The in-swinger does the trick."
Parthiv Patel walked off for 6 runs. The batsmen did not cross. Rohit Sharma walked out to bat at number three and took the strike.
1.6 Bhuvneshwar bowled a good length ball to Rohit. Rohit defended it with a straight bat. No run.
Mumbai Indians were 12 for 1.
Trent Boult continued.
2.1 Boult bowled a full ball on the off-stump. Simmons drove it past the cover fielder for four runs.
2.2 Boult bowled a bouncer. Simmons pulled it to deep square leg for four runs.
2.3 Boult bowled slightly wider. Simmons pushed it to point for a single.
2.4 Boult bowled on the pads. Rohit flicked it to fine leg for a boundary. Four runs.
2.5 Boult bowled a fast yorker. Rohit jammed his bat down and dug it out for a single.
2.6 Boult bowled a length ball. Simmons defended it. No run.
Mumbai Indians were 26 for 1.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled the fourth over.
3.1 Bhuvneshwar bowled an out-swinger. Rohit pushed it to cover for a single.
3.2 Bhuvneshwar bowled a fast, full delivery outside the off-stump.
Simmons tried to play a big drive. The ball took a thick outside edge and flew quickly to the slip fielder.
Shikhar Dhawan dove to his right and caught the ball cleanly.
"Caught at slip!" Danny Morrison shouted. "Bhuvneshwar Kumar strikes again! Lendl Simmons goes for the drive and edges it."
Simmons walked off for 14 runs. Ambati Rayudu walked out to bat at number four and took the strike.
3.3 Bhuvneshwar bowled to Rayudu. Rayudu defended it. No run.
3.4 Bhuvneshwar bowled a length ball. Rayudu pushed it past point for a boundary. Four runs.
3.5 Bhuvneshwar bowled a short ball. Rayudu pulled it for a single.
3.6 Bhuvneshwar bowled a full delivery. Rohit pushed it to mid-off. No run.
"Mohammed Siraj is coming into the attack. Mumbai is under pressure." said Harsha Bhogle.
4.1 Siraj ran in fast. He bowled a short delivery to Rayudu. Rayudu pulled it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
4.2 Siraj bowled a fast yorker to Rohit. Rohit dug it out for a single.
4.3 Siraj bowled a length ball. Rayudu defended it. No run.
4.4 Siraj bowled wide outside the off-stump. Rayudu cut the ball past point for a boundary. Four runs.
4.5 Siraj bowled a bouncer. Rayudu pulled it for a single.
4.6 Siraj bowled on the pads. Rohit defended it. No run.
The fifth over ended. Rayudu took the strike for the sixth over. Mumbai Indians were 39 for 2.
Trent Boult bowled the final over of the powerplay.
5.1 Boult bowled to Rayudu. Rayudu took a single.
5.2 Boult bowled a full delivery. Rohit drove it for a boundary. Four runs.
5.3 Boult bowled a slower ball. Rohit pushed it for a single.
5.4 Boult bowled a length ball. Rayudu defended it. No run.
5.5 Boult bowled a fast length ball to Rayudu. Rayudu tried to hit it over mid-on. The ball took the top edge and went high in the air.
David Warner ran back from mid-on and caught the ball safely.
"Another wicket falls!" Sunil Gavaskar announced. "Trent Boult gets Ambati Rayudu!"
Rayudu walked back for 11 runs. Kieron Pollard walked out to bat at number five and took the strike.
5.6 Boult bowled a fast yorker. Pollard dug it out. No run.
The mandatory powerplay was over. Mumbai Indians were 44 for 3. Rohit Sharma took the strike for the seventh over.
Siddanth pushed his fielders back to the boundary ropes. He brought his leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, into the attack.
6.1 Rashid bowled a flat leg-break. Rohit pushed it to long-off for a single.
6.2 Rashid bowled a googly. Pollard defended it. No run.
6.3 Rashid bowled another leg-break. Pollard took a single.
6.4 Rashid bowled to Rohit. Rohit cut the ball for a single.
6.5 Rashid bowled fuller. Pollard pushed it to long-on for a single.
6.6 Rashid bowled a fast flipper. Rohit defended it. No run.
The seventh over ended. Pollard took the strike for the eighth over. Mumbai Indians were 48 for 3.
Yuzvendra Chahal came into the attack.
7.1 Chahal bowled a tossed-up delivery. Pollard stepped out and hit it down the ground for a single.
7.2 Chahal bowled wide. Rohit cut it for a boundary. Four runs.
7.3 Chahal bowled on the pads. Rohit flicked it for a single.
7.4 Chahal bowled a leg-break. Pollard defended it. No run.
7.5 Chahal bowled again. Pollard pushed it for a single.
7.6 Chahal bowled a flatter ball. Rohit took a single. The batsmen crossed.
The eighth over ended. Rohit played a shot for one run on the last ball, meaning he moved to the non-striker's end as the field swapped. Rohit took the strike for the ninth over. Mumbai Indians were 56 for 3.
Ravi Shastri announced. "Mohammed Siraj is back into the attack."
8.1 Siraj bowled a fast delivery. Rohit took a single. The batsmen crossed. Pollard was on strike.
8.2 Siraj bowled to Pollard. Pollard hit it for a massive six over long-on.
8.3 Siraj bowled a bouncer. Pollard pulled it for a single. The batsmen crossed. Rohit was on strike.
8.4 Siraj bowled a length ball. Rohit pushed it for a single. The batsmen crossed. Pollard was on strike.
8.5 Siraj bowled full. Pollard drove it for two runs.
8.6 Siraj bowled to Pollard. Pollard took a single. The batsmen crossed.
The ninth over ended. Pollard hit an odd number of runs, crossed over, and the field swapped. Pollard took the strike for the tenth over. Mumbai Indians were 68 for 3.
Rashid Khan bowled his second over.
9.1 Rashid bowled a leg-break. Pollard pushed it for a single.
9.2 Rashid bowled a googly. Rohit defended it. No run.
9.3 Rashid bowled a fast, flat googly aimed directly at the middle stump.
Rohit tried to cut the ball, but the ball spun sharply inward, missed the bat, and crashed into the stumps.
"Bowled him!" Kevin Pietersen shouted. "Rashid Khan strikes! The googly does the trick. Rohit Sharma is gone!"
Rohit Sharma walked back to the dugout for 14 runs. Hardik Pandya walked out to bat at number six and took the strike.
9.4 Rashid bowled a googly to Hardik. Hardik defended it. No run.
9.5 Rashid bowled full. Hardik pushed it for a single.
9.6 Rashid bowled flat. Pollard took a single. The batsmen crossed.
The tenth over ended. Pollard hit a single, crossed over, and the field swapped. Pollard took the strike for the eleventh over. Mumbai Indians were 71 for 4.
Yuzvendra Chahal bowled his second over.
10.1 Chahal bowled a tossed-up delivery. Pollard hit it for a single.
10.2 Chahal bowled wide. Hardik defended it. No run.
10.3 Chahal bowled on the pads. Hardik hit it for a boundary. Four runs.
10.4 Chahal bowled a leg-break. Hardik pushed it for a single.
10.5 Chahal bowled again. Pollard took a single.
10.6 Chahal bowled a flatter ball. Hardik took a single.
Mumbai Indians were 79 for 4.
Siddanth Deva decided to take the ball himself. He took his cap off and handed it to the umpire.
"The captain brings himself on," Ravi Shastri noted on the broadcast. "He wants to break this partnership."
11.1 Siddanth ran in and bowled a fast length delivery on the middle stump to Hardik. Hardik defended it straight down the pitch. No run.
11.2 Siddanth ran in again. He bowled a good length ball on the off-stump. Hardik defended it again. No run.
11.3 Siddanth ran in and bowled a slower off-cutter.
Hardik Pandya tried to hit the ball straight back over the bowler's head. He misjudged the slow pace. He checked his shot at the last second, chipping the ball gently back down the pitch.
Siddanth took two steps forward on his follow-through and caught the ball easily in both hands.
"Caught and bowled!" Kevin Pietersen yelled. "Siddanth Deva strikes in his first over! He tossed up an off-cutter and Hardik fell right into the trap."
The crowd went completely wild. In the VIP box, Prabhas and Rana clapped.
Hardik Pandya walked off for 7 runs. Krunal Pandya walked out to bat at number seven, replacing his brother, and took the strike. Mumbai Indians were 79 for 5.
11.4 Siddanth bowled a fast yorker to Krunal. Krunal dug it out. No run.
11.5 Siddanth bowled a bouncer. Krunal pulled it for a single.
11.6 Siddanth bowled a length ball to Pollard. Pollard defended it. No run. Mumbai Indians were 81 for 5.
Mumbai Indians were 81 for 5.
12.1 Siraj bowled a length ball to Pollard. Pollard defended it. No run.
12.2 Siraj bowled a fast length ball outside the off-stump.
Kieron Pollard went for a massive swing. He edged the ball. Sanju Samson dove to his right and caught it safely in his gloves.
"Edged and taken!" Simon Doull shouted. "Mohammed Siraj gets a big wicket! Kieron Pollard is out. Mumbai Indians are six down."
Kieron Pollard walked back for 13 runs. Harbhajan Singh walked out to bat and took the strike. Mumbai Indians were 81 for 6.
12.3 Siraj bowled to Harbhajan. Harbhajan hit it for a boundary. Four runs.
12.4 Siraj bowled a slower ball. Harbhajan took a single.
12.5 Siraj bowled a length ball. Krunal took a single.
12.6 Siraj bowled a fast yorker. Harbhajan dug it out for a single. The thirteenth over ended.
The thirteenth over ended. Harbhajan hit a single, crossed over, and the field swapped. Harbhajan took the strike for the fourteenth over. Mumbai Indians were 88 for 6.
Rashid Khan bowled his third over.
13.1 Rashid bowled a leg-break. Harbhajan pushed it for a single.
13.2 Rashid bowled a googly. Krunal defended it. No run.
13.3 Rashid bowled full. Krunal hit it for a boundary. Four runs.
13.4 Rashid bowled a flatter delivery. Krunal took a single.
13.5 Rashid bowled on the pads. Harbhajan took a single.
13.6 Rashid bowled a flipper. Krunal defended it. No run.
Mumbai Indians were 95 for 6.
Mohammed Siraj came back for his final over.
14.1 Siraj bowled a fast, full delivery. Harbhajan took a single. The batsmen crossed. Krunal was on strike.
14.2 Siraj bowled a sharp bouncer. Krunal ducked. No run.
14.3 Siraj bowled another short ball. Krunal tried to hit it over mid-wicket. He didn't get any distance on it.
Deepak Hooda settled underneath the falling ball and took a secure catch.
"Another wicket!" Sanjay Manjrekar said. "Mohammed Siraj gets Krunal Pandya. The lower order is collapsing."
Krunal Pandya was out for 7 runs. Mitchell Mcclenaghan walked out to bat and took the strike. Mumbai Indians were 96 for 7.
14.4 Siraj bowled to Karn. Mitchell defended it. No run.
14.5 Siraj bowled a fast length ball. Mitchell pushed it for a boundary. Four runs.
14.6 Siraj bowled a yorker. Mitchell dug it out for a single.
The fifteenth over ended. Mitchell hit a single, crossed over, and the field swapped. Mitchell took the strike for the sixteenth over. Mumbai Indians were 101 for 7.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar came back into the attack.
15.1 Bhuvneshwar bowled a full delivery on the pads. Mitchell flicked it for a single.
15.2 Bhuvneshwar bowled a slower ball. Harbhajan took a single.
15.3 Bhuvneshwar bowled a length ball. Mitchell hit it for a boundary. Four runs.
15.4 Bhuvneshwar bowled a fast yorker. Mitchell dug it out for a single.
15.5 Bhuvneshwar bowled a bouncer. Harbhajan pulled it for a single.
15.6 Bhuvneshwar bowled a full delivery. Mitchell pushed it for a single.
The sixteenth over ended. Mitchell hit a single, crossed over, and the field swapped. Mitchell took the strike for the seventeenth over. Mumbai Indians were 110 for 7.
Trent Boult came back for his third over.
16.1 Boult bowled a length ball. Mitchell pushed it for a single.
16.2 Boult bowled a full delivery. Harbhajan hit it for a single.
16.3 Boult ran in and bowled a perfect, swinging yorker aimed straight at the base of the middle stump.
Mitchell Mcclenaghan tried to dig it out, but the ball was too fast. The ball crashed into the stumps.
"Bowled him!" Simon Doull announced. "Trent Boult delivers a perfect yorker. Mitchell Mcclenaghan is gone."
Mitchell Mcclenaghan was out for 11 runs. Jasprit Bumrah walked out to bat and took the strike. Mumbai Indians were 112 for 8.
16.4 Boult bowled a length ball. Bumrah hit it past point for a boundary. Four runs.
16.5 Boult bowled a short ball. Bumrah tried to pull it. He edged the ball high into the air.
Sanju Samson ran forward and caught it safely.
"Two wickets in the over!" Sanjay Manjrekar said. "Jasprit Bumrah falls. Mumbai Indians are nine down."
Jasprit Bumrah was out for 4 runs. Lasith Malinga walked out as the final batsman. Because no run was completed, Malinga took the strike for the remaining ball.
16.6 Boult bowled a yorker. Malinga dug it out. No run.
The seventeenth over ended. Malinga played a dot ball, so the field swapped and Harbhajan took the strike for the eighteenth over. Mumbai Indians were 116 for 9.
The final commentary pair took over. Harsha Bhogle and Danny Morrison.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes on to bowl his final over."
17.1 Bhuvneshwar bowled a fast length ball. Harbhajan took a single.
17.2 Bhuvneshwar bowled a slower ball. Malinga hit it for a boundary over mid-wicket. Four runs.
17.3 Bhuvneshwar bowled a wide yorker. Malinga dug it out for a boundary past point. Four runs.
17.4 Bhuvneshwar ran in fast. He bowled a perfect yorker.
Malinga brought his bat down late. The ball hit the middle stump, knocking the bails off.
The red lights flashed brightly.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad players threw their arms up and cheered loudly. Siddanth smiled and high-fived Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
"BOWLED HIM!" Danny Morrison roared over the deafening noise of the broadcast. "BHUVNESHWAR FINISHES IT OFF! THE MUMBAI INDIANS ARE ALL OUT FOR 127 RUNS! MUMBAI INDIANS 127 ALL OUT"
---
The innings break at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium lasted for twenty minutes.
Inside the Sunrisers Hyderabad dressing room, the mood was very calm. The bowlers had done a perfect job. They had bowled the Mumbai Indians out for just 127 runs. The target to win the IPL Final was 128 runs from 120 balls. It was a very small total, but it was a final, and finals always carried extra pressure.
Siddanth Deva sat in his chair. He drank a bottle of water. He looked at David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan, who were putting on their batting pads.
"Take your time," Siddanth told his opening batsmen. "The target is small. Do not play risky shots early on. Just push the ball into the gaps. If we don't lose early wickets, we win this game easily."
Warner nodded. He strapped his helmet on. Dhawan picked up his bat. They walked out of the dressing room together.
In the broadcast box, the television coverage returned from the commercial break. Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle were on the microphones.
"Welcome back to Hyderabad," Harsha Bhogle said smoothly. "We are ready for the second innings of the 2017 IPL Final. Sunrisers Hyderabad need 128 runs to become back-to-back champions. David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan are walking out to the middle."
"It is a small target, Harsha," Sunil Gavaskar added. "But Mumbai Indians will fight hard. They have Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. They need early wickets to create any pressure."
David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan walked to the pitch. The crowd cheered loudly for them.
Lasith Malinga took the new white ball. He marked his run-up.
The second innings began.
0.1 Lasith Malinga ran in and bowled a fast, full delivery swinging into the pads. David Warner defended it straight down the pitch. No run.
0.2 Malinga bowled a good length ball on the off-stump. Warner pushed it to the cover fielder. No run.
0.3 Malinga bowled slightly wider. Warner leaned forward and drove the ball past the point fielder. The ball raced across the grass for a boundary. Four runs.
0.4 Malinga bowled a fast bouncer. Warner ducked under it safely. No run.
0.5 Malinga bowled on the pads. Warner flicked it to deep square leg for a single.
0.6 Malinga bowled a straight delivery to Dhawan. Dhawan defended it from the crease. No run.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 5 for 0.
Jasprit Bumrah came into the attack from the other end.
1.1 Jasprit Bumrah ran in and bowled a length ball. Warner pushed it to the leg side for a single.
1.2 Bumrah bowled a short, wide delivery. Dhawan cut the ball hard past the point fielder for a boundary. Four runs.
1.3 Bumrah bowled on the middle stump. Dhawan pushed it to mid-on for a single.
1.4 Bumrah bowled a fast yorker. Warner dug it out and pushed it to mid-off for a single.
1.5 Bumrah bowled a good length ball. Dhawan defended it. No run.
1.6 Bumrah bowled on the pads. Dhawan flicked it to deep square leg for a single.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 13 for 0.
Lasith Malinga continued his spell.
"Malinga is running in again," Harsha Bhogle noted. "He needs a wicket here. Dhawan looks in good touch."
2.1 Malinga bowled a fast, full delivery. Dhawan defended it. No run.
2.2 Malinga bowled a slower ball. Dhawan watched it carefully and pushed it to cover. No run.
2.3 Malinga ran in and bowled a fast, full delivery outside the off-stump.
Shikhar Dhawan saw the width and tried to play a hard cover drive. The ball was slightly slower than he expected. He hit the ball in the air toward the point region.
Kieron Pollard, standing at point, moved quickly to his right and caught the ball cleanly with both hands.
"Caught!" Sunil Gavaskar said loudly on the broadcast. "Malinga gets the breakthrough! Dhawan goes for the drive but hits it straight to Pollard. Mumbai Indians have their first wicket."
The Mumbai Indians players celebrated. Shikhar Dhawan walked off the field for 6 runs.
Kane Williamson walked out from the dugout to bat at number three. He took his position at the striker's end.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 13 for 1.
2.4 Malinga bowled a good length ball to Williamson. Williamson defended it with a straight bat. No run.
2.5 Malinga bowled slightly wider. Williamson pushed it to point. No run.
2.6 Malinga bowled on the pads. Williamson flicked it to fine leg for a single.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 14 for 1.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled his second over.
3.1 Bumrah bowled a fast delivery. Williamson pushed it to mid-on for a single.
3.2 Bumrah bowled a short ball. Warner pulled it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Four runs.
3.3 Bumrah bowled full on the off-stump. Warner drove it past cover for a single.
3.4 Bumrah bowled a fast bouncer. Williamson ducked under it. No run.
3.5 Bumrah bowled a length ball. Williamson defended it. No run.
3.6 Bumrah bowled a slower ball. Williamson waited and pushed it to third man for a single.
Williamson was on strike for the fifth over. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 21 for 1.
Mitchell McClenaghan came into the attack.
4.1 McClenaghan bowled a short ball. Williamson pulled it for a single. The batsmen crossed. Warner was on strike.
4.2 McClenaghan bowled a length ball. Warner hit it over the mid-off fielder for a boundary. Four runs.
4.3 McClenaghan bowled wide. Warner cut it for a single.
4.4 McClenaghan bowled on the pads. Williamson flicked it for two runs.
4.5 McClenaghan bowled full. Williamson drove it to mid-off. No run.
4.6 McClenaghan bowled a fast yorker. Williamson dug it out for a single.
The fifth over ended. Williamson took a single on the last ball, so he moved to the non-striker's end. The field changed. Williamson was on strike for the sixth over. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 30 for 1.
The commentary team rotated. Danny Morrison and Pommie Mbangwa took over the microphones.
"Welcome back, folks!" Danny Morrison shouted. "Danny and Pommie here. Sunrisers are going along nicely. Thirty for one. The target is small, so they don't need to take any risks."
"That is correct, Danny," Pommie agreed. "Williamson and Warner are building a very solid partnership. They are just rotating the strike and hitting the loose balls."
Jasprit Bumrah bowled the final over of the powerplay.
5.1 Bumrah bowled a fast delivery. Williamson took a single.
5.2 Bumrah bowled a slower ball. Warner pushed it to cover for a single.
5.3 Bumrah bowled a bouncer. Williamson pulled it for a boundary. Four runs.
5.4 Bumrah bowled a length ball. Williamson defended it. No run.
5.5 Bumrah bowled full. Williamson drove it to long-off for a single.
5.6 Bumrah bowled a fast yorker. Warner dug it out. No run.
The mandatory powerplay was over. The fielding restrictions were lifted. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 37 for 1.
Rohit Sharma brought his off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, into the attack.
"Spin is introduced," Pommie Mbangwa noted. "Let's see how Warner plays him."
6.1 Harbhajan bowled a tossed-up delivery. Warner stepped out of his crease and hit the ball straight down the ground for a single.
6.2 Harbhajan bowled flat. Williamson pushed it to long-on for a single.
6.3 Harbhajan bowled on the pads. Warner flicked it to deep mid-wicket for two runs.
6.4 Harbhajan bowled wide. Warner cut it past point for a boundary. Four runs.
6.5 Harbhajan bowled a flatter ball. Warner pushed it for a single.
6.6 Harbhajan bowled full. Williamson pushed it to the leg side for a single.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 46 for 1.
Krunal Pandya came into the attack with his left-arm spin from the other end.
7.1 Krunal bowled a flat delivery. Williamson pushed it to cover for a single.
7.2 Krunal bowled on the pads. Warner flicked it for a single.
7.3 Krunal bowled wide. Williamson cut it for a single.
7.4 Krunal bowled a tossed-up ball. Warner stepped out and hit it over long-on for a massive six.
The crowd cheered loudly. David Warner was looking very comfortable.
7.5 Krunal bowled flatter. Warner pushed it for a single.
7.6 Krunal bowled full. Williamson drove it to long-off for a single.
Williamson was on strike for the ninth over. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 57 for 1.
Harbhajan Singh bowled his second over.
8.1 Harbhajan bowled to Williamson. Williamson took a single.
8.2 Harbhajan bowled flat. Warner cut it for a single.
8.3 Harbhajan bowled on the pads. Williamson flicked it for a single.
8.4 Harbhajan bowled a tossed-up ball. Warner hit it for a boundary over extra cover. Four runs.
8.5 Harbhajan bowled full. Warner pushed it for a single.
8.6 Harbhajan bowled a slower ball. Williamson pushed it for a single.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 65 for 1.
The commentary team rotated again. Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen took over.
"We are halfway through the innings. Sunrisers are 65 for 1. They need 63 more runs from 60 balls. This is a very easy chase for them right now."
"It is too easy, Ravi," Kevin Pietersen agreed. "Mumbai needs wickets. If Warner and Williamson stays out there, they will finish this game in the next six overs."
Krunal Pandya bowled his second over.
9.1 Krunal bowled a flat delivery. Williamson pushed it to long-off for a single.
9.2 Krunal bowled wide. Warner cut it for a boundary. Four runs.
9.3 Krunal bowled on the pads. Warner took a single.
9.4 Krunal bowled full. Williamson drove it for a single.
9.5 Krunal bowled a flatter ball. Warner pushed it for a single.
9.6 Krunal bowled to Williamson. Williamson took a single.
Hardik Pandya came into the attack with his medium pace.
10.1 Hardik bowled a length ball. Williamson pushed it for a single.
10.2 Hardik bowled a bouncer. Warner pulled it to deep square leg for a single.
10.3 Hardik bowled a slower ball. Williamson pushed it to point. No run.
10.4 Hardik bowled on the pads. Williamson flicked it for a single.
10.5 Hardik bowled wide outside the off-stump. Warner cut it hard past the point fielder for a boundary. Four runs.
10.6 Hardik bowled a fast yorker. Warner dug it out for a single.
Warner was on strike for the twelfth over. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 81 for 1.
Lasith Malinga came back into the attack. Rohit Sharma was desperate for a wicket.
11.1 Malinga bowled a fast, full delivery. Warner drove it straight past the bowler for a boundary. Four runs.
With that boundary, David Warner reached 50 runs.
The crowd cheered loudly. Warner took his helmet off. He did his traditional leap in the air, punching his fist. He raised his bat toward the Sunrisers dugout. Siddanth Deva stood up and clapped for his opening batsman.
"A brilliant half-century by David Warner!" Ravi Shastri announced. "He has controlled this chase perfectly. He is leading this team to the title."
11.2 Malinga bowled a fast yorker. Warner dug it out for a single.
11.3 Malinga bowled a slower ball. Williamson pushed it for a single.
11.4 Malinga bowled a short ball. Warner pulled it to deep square leg for two runs.
11.5 Malinga bowled full on the pads. Warner flicked it to fine leg for a single.
11.6 Malinga bowled a length ball. Williamson pushed it for a single.
Hardik Pandya bowled his second over.
12.1 Hardik bowled a length ball. Williamson took a single.
12.2 Hardik bowled a short ball. Warner pulled it hard to the mid-wicket boundary. Four runs.
12.3 Hardik bowled wide. Warner tried to cut it but missed. No run.
12.4 Hardik ran in and bowled a slower, rolling off-cutter outside the off-stump.
David Warner, batting on 57 runs, tried to hit the ball over the long-off boundary. He swung his bat hard. Because of the slow pace, he hit the ball very early. The ball went high up into the dark night sky.
Kieron Pollard ran in from the long-off boundary. He kept his eyes on the falling ball. He reached out and caught the ball safely in his large hands.
"Caught in the deep!" Kevin Pietersen shouted on the broadcast. "Hardik Pandya gets the big wicket! The slower ball deceives David Warner. He departs after a fantastic innings of 57. Is this an opening for Mumbai?"
David Warner walked off the field. The crowd clapped for his solid innings. He had done his job. The target was very close now.
Sanju Samson walked out to bat at number four. The batsmen had crossed while the ball was in the air, so Samson walked to the non-striker's end. Williamson was on strike. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 95 for 2.
12.5 Hardik bowled a length ball to Williamson. Williamson pushed it for a single. T
12.6 Hardik bowled a fast yorker. Samson dug it out for a single.
"Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack. Sunrisers need 32 runs from 42 balls."
13.1 Bumrah bowled a fast, full delivery. Samson pushed it to mid-off. No run.
13.2 Bumrah bowled a length ball. Samson stepped out and hit it beautifully over extra cover for a boundary. Four runs.
13.3 Bumrah bowled a sharp bouncer. Samson pulled it to deep square leg for a single. The batsmen crossed. Williamson was on strike.
13.4 Bumrah bowled a fast yorker. Williamson dug it out for a single.
13.5 Bumrah bowled a slower ball. Samson hit it to long-on for a single.
13.6 Bumrah ran in fast and bowled a perfect, searing yorker aimed directly at the base of the middle stump.
Sanju Samson, who had crossed to the striker's end, was late bringing his bat down. The ball crashed into his stumps.
"Bowled him!" Simon Doull shouted loudly. "Jasprit Bumrah delivers a brilliant yorker! Sanju Samson is gone for 7 runs. Two quick wickets for Mumbai Indians!"
Sanju Samson walked off the field. Sunrisers Hyderabad were 103 for 3. They needed 25 more runs to win.
In the Sunrisers Hyderabad dugout, Siddanth Deva stood up. He picked up his bat and put his gloves on.
As he walked out of the dugout and stepped onto the green grass of the stadium. The DJ, knowing the crowd and the famous guests sitting in the VIP boxes, immediately played a very specific song over the massive stadium speakers.
It was the main entrance theme from the movie Baahubali 1.
The heavy, rhythmic drum beats of "Nipule Swasaga" echoed through the entire stadium.
The crowd recognized the song in one second. The thirty-nine thousand fans went completely berserk. The noise level doubled. They started clapping and hitting the railing and seats with their hands to the heavy drum beats.
Then, the chant started. It started in one stand and spread around the entire stadium in a wave.
"BAAHU-BALI! BAAHU-BALI! BAAHU-BALI!"
In the VIP box, Prabhas, the actor who actually played the character Baahubali in the movie, started laughing loudly. He leaned against the glass, clapping his hands to the beat of his own movie song.
Victory Venkatesh was whistling loudly, pointing down at Siddanth as he walked to the pitch. Rana Daggubati was recording a video of the chanting crowd on his phone.
In the other VIP box, Krithika was the loudest one in her row. She was on her feet, screaming the chant at the top of her lungs with her hands cupped around her mouth, lost in the electrifying atmosphere.
Anjali and her college friends were jumping up and down, waving their orange flags to the rhythm of the drum beats.
"Listen to this atmosphere!" Sanjay Manjrekar said on the commentary, his voice filled with awe. "The crowd is treating their captain like a King. I have never heard anything like this in a cricket stadium."
"It is absolute cinema, Sanjay," Simon Doull agreed. "The local hero walks out to finish the final. The stage is set."
Siddanth Deva walked calmly to the center of the pitch. He did not look around. He did not wave to the crowd. He kept his face neutral. He tapped his bat on the ground and took his guard.
The target was 128. The score was 103 for 3. They needed 25 runs from 36 balls.
The fourteenth over had ended with Samson's wicket. Because Samson was bowled on the last ball, the batsmen did not cross. Siddanth walked to the non-striker's end as the field changed sides. Kane Williamson took the strike for the fifteenth over.
Mitchell McClenaghan came back into the attack to bowl the fifteenth over.
14.1 McClenaghan bowled a length ball. Williamson pushed it to cover for a single. The batsmen crossed. Siddanth Deva was on strike.
The crowd cheered as Siddanth faced his first ball.
14.2 McClenaghan bowled a fast bouncer. Siddanth swayed out of the way and let it go to the keeper. No run.
14.3 McClenaghan bowled a full delivery outside the off-stump.
Siddanth leaned forward, bent his front knee slightly, and drove the ball with perfect timing. The ball pierced the gap between the cover and mid-off fielders. It raced across the fast outfield and hit the boundary rope. Four runs.
The crowd roared.
14.4 McClenaghan bowled a slower ball on the pads. Siddanth flicked it gently to deep square leg for a single.
14.5 McClenaghan bowled a fast yorker. Williamson dug it out and pushed it to mid-on for a single.
14.6 McClenaghan bowled a length ball. Siddanth pushed it into the gap for a single.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 110 for 3. They needed 18 more runs.
Lasith Malinga came on to bowl his final over. Rohit Sharma was trying to get a wicket to create some late pressure.
15.1 Malinga ran in and bowled a fast, in-swinging yorker. Siddanth brought his bat down quickly and dug the ball out. No run.
15.2 Malinga bowled a slower ball outside the off-stump. Siddanth waited for it and pushed it gently to the point fielder. He called for a quick single.
15.3 Malinga bowled a full delivery. Williamson drove it straight down the ground past the bowler for a boundary. Four runs.
15.4 Malinga bowled a bouncer. Williamson pulled it to deep mid-wicket for a single. T
15.5 Malinga bowled a wide yorker. Siddanth reached out and squeezed the ball past the short third-man fielder. The ball ran away to the boundary. Four runs.
"Beautiful shot!" Simon Doull said. "Siddanth Deva uses the pace of Malinga perfectly. The target is now in single digits."
15.6 Malinga bowled a fast length ball on the stumps. Siddanth defended it. No run.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were 120 for 3.
They needed 8 runs to win the IPL Final.
Jasprit Bumrah came on to bowl the seventeenth over.
16.1 Bumrah ran in and bowled a fast length delivery on the middle stump.
Siddanth stepped forward and hit the ball firmly straight back past the bowler. The mid-off fielder dove but could not stop it. The ball crossed the boundary rope. Four runs.
The crowd started chanting again. "SRH! SRH! SRH!"
Sunrisers Hyderabad needed 4 more runs to win.
16.2 Bumrah bowled a full delivery on the pads. Siddanth flicked the ball softly toward the deep square leg fielder. He jogged to the other end. The batsmen crossed.
Siddanth gave a cheeky smile and go ahead nod to WIlliamson.
Sunrisers Hyderabad needed 3 runs to win.
16.3 Bumrah bowled a fast bouncer. Williamson ducked under it safely. No run.
16.4 Bumrah ran in and bowled a good length delivery outside the off-stump.
Kane Williamson stepped forward, leaned into the shot, and played a textbook cover drive. He hit the ball perfectly out of the middle of the bat. The ball flew through the gap in the covers and raced across the green grass.
It hit the boundary rope. Four runs.
The match was over.
"He hits it for four! It is all over!" Sanjay Manjrekar yelled into the microphone as the crowd noise reached its absolute peak. "Sunrisers Hyderabad have done it! They chase down the target with ease. Kane Williamson hits the winning runs!"
"What an incredible team!" Simon Doull roared in agreement. "They are the champions of the 2017 Indian Premier League! And they make history today in front of their home fans. Sunrisers Hyderabad become the very first team to win the IPL title back-to-back!"
Siddanth Deva raised his arms in the air. He walked over to Kane Williamson and hugged him.
The entire Sunrisers Hyderabad squad ran out of the dugout and sprinted onto the field. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Trent Boult, Mohammed Siraj, and Rashid Khan tackled Siddanth and Williamson, jumping on them in a massive group hug.
Fireworks erupted into the night sky over the stadium roof, lighting up the entire area in bright flashes of orange and gold. Confetti rained down on the pitch.
In the VIP box, Kalanithi Maran and his family were hugging each other tightly, celebrating their consecutive victories. Victory Venkatesh, Prabhas, and Rajamouli were clapping continuously, enjoying the local team's success.
In the other box, Krithika was jumping up and down, screaming his name in triumph as she watched him surrounded by his happy teammates. She waved her orange flag frantically, her friends screaming right alongside her as they took photos of the celebrations.
The Mumbai Indians players walked over and shook hands with the winning team. They were disappointed, but they knew they had been beaten by a much better side.
The post-match presentation took place on the large stage in the center of the field.
Ravi Shastri handed out the awards. Bhuvneshwar Kumar received the Purple Cap for his brilliant fast bowling throughout the season. David Warner received the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs.
Finally, Ravi Shastri called Siddanth Deva to the stage to collect the main trophy.
Siddanth walked up, wearing his orange jersey. The crowd chanted his name again.
"Siddanth, congratulations," Ravi Shastri said, handing him the microphone. "Four IPL titles as a captain. Total five IPL titles. Back-to-back championships. A historic day."
"Thank you, Ravi bhai," Siddanth said calmly. "It is a great feeling. Defending a title is hard, but this team made it look simple. The bowlers won us this final today. Restricting Mumbai to 127 runs was an incredible effort. Warner and Dhawan gave us a good start, and Kane finished it nicely."
"You came out to the Baahubali music today," Ravi laughed. "The crowd loves you here."
Siddanth smiled slightly. "The fans in Hyderabad are the best in the country. This trophy is for them."
"Enjoy the victory, Captain," Ravi said, handing him the heavy golden IPL trophy.
Siddanth took the trophy and walked down to his team. He handed the trophy to the youngest players in the squad. They lifted the cup high into the air as more fireworks exploded above them. Champagne sprayed everywhere.
They were the champions. Again.
Siddanth Deva Match Statistics:
Batting: 16 Not Out (10 Balls). 3 Fours, 0 Sixes. Strike Rate: 160.00.
Bowling: 1 Over, 0 Maidens, 2 Runs, 1 Wicket. Economy: 2.00.