Rohit Sharma hit 26 runs off the final over to lift the Chargers to an unlikely victory over the Knight Riders in Jo’burg. Mashrafe Mortaza pulled it back conceding only two runs off the next two deliveries, but Sharma sent the third ball into orbit. A four followed and requiring a single off the final ball, Sharma launched Mortaza onto the grass bank.The Chargers, chasing 161 to win, made a good start when openers Adam Gilchrist (43) and Herschelle Gibbs (28) put on 68 in 57 balls. Excellent spin bowling by Murali Kartik (1-12) and two run-outs affected a turnaround for Kolkata before Sharma blasted 32 not out in 13 deliveries.
The Knight Riders had earlier scored 160 for five, Brad Hodge top-scoring with 48. Andrew Symonds was looking dangerous before he was run out for 18, and with that Deccan’s chances of a miracle looked to have departed. That was until Sharma stepped up in the final over.
