It couldn't be the more perfect. And it had to be Shane Warne. The final over 8 runs. It went down the wire. The last ball. After conceding a dot ball at the crucial moment, they didn't lose hope. And God helps those who are brave. There was a wide and a single off the same ball. Then a couple of the second last ball was important. Single of the last ball was a formality. But the turning point was the boundary in Ntini's last ball that Warne hit. That really reduced the pressure. Not to forget Yusuf Pathan's half century. And the way he hammered Chennai's bowlers was just awesome. The first innings was okay. I got upset whenever Royals were hit but I felt 163 was chase-able. The Royals started badly. Missed Graeme Smith a lot and Ntini made full use of Royals missing his country man. Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan then brought the chase on track and countinued Asnodkar's good work. Pathan's onslaught was just great. My man of the match - Yusuf Pathan. Man of the tournament - Shane Warne and Shane Watson (yeah, shared).
And even as the television airs advertisements before the presentation ceremony, I am speechless. The match was simply great. I was shivering with excitement (though it was due to the high air con in the office) the whole of second innings (I was swearing at the bowlers when they were being hit, during the first innings). Live update: Yusuf Pathan is the man of the match. And he is speechless too!!! The under-19 award, orange cap, purple cap awards are being announced. Wait for the man of the series award goes to Shane Watson... well I think without Warne he wouldn't have been able to do it. The losing team comes up to collect their prize. Dhoni was graceful in defeat (not like pakistani captains). Nice to listen him talk. The guy's got a cool head. The winning team collecting their medals. And now Shane comes up to talk. And he ROCKS. Speaks of Jaipur's misery and that they won it for them. For the whole of Rajasthan. Memories that he will take back to Australia? The people who supported him. The staff. The public who would playfully bang the bus wherever they went. The crowds. And I think he deserves it. He has been the best and it was he who got the Royals up on their feet and managed to bring out the best in his team. Hats off. When asked what do you think about Shane Warne, the young members of the team replied - Legend.
And now the office looks lonely. I had to take a half an hour foot journey to the office to watch the final and it hasn't gone unrewarded. Perfect way to end a colorful tournament (though I feel it should be shorter so that it doesn't harm the players). While Warne was batting the commentator mentioned that Warne had taken a good look at the trophy before the match. He had seen it from all angles. Seen it, Admired it and I feel it was his will to win it, lay hands on it that he could ultimately achieve it. While I decide whether to take the long journey back or spend the night here, I would like to ask Warne one thing - come back again, we'll be waiting for you.