The little-known opener smashe­d five sixes, eight fours in his 48-ball 89 runs while chasin­g Chenna­i's total of 190.
CHENNAI: Kolkata Knight Riders found a surprise hero in Manvinder Bisla to bag their maiden Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling Twenty20 final on Sunday.
The little-known opener smashed five sixes and eight fours in his quickfire 48-ball 89 as Kolkata surpassed Chennai's total of 190-3 with two balls to spare at the Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
The final was also watched by Pakistan's cricket chief Zaka Ashraf. Pakistani players, who are usually a major draw in India, have been kept out of the tournament after the first edition, reportedly due to security fears.
Kolkata got $2 million for the win while runners-up Chennai bagged $1.5 million.
Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi Daredevils qualified for the Champions League to be held in India in October between the top domestic Twenty20 clubs from around the world.
Chennai Super Kings 190-3 in 20 overs (S. Raina 73, M. Hussey 54, M. Vijay 42) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 192-5 in 19.4 overs (M. Bisla 89, J. Kallis 69; B. Hilfenhaus 2-25) by five wickets.
Delhi topped the table while Chennai barely made it to the playoffs.
Matter 'amicably resolved', says Australian cricketer's lawyer.
Ashraf, who is currently in London, will travel to Chennai on a two-day visit.
Delhi seal Punjab's fate in 6-wicket win in the league.
I am a big time supporter of Dhoni, but really wanted someone else to win this time. KKR is my home team, so it worked out great (don't care much about SRK though).
No that is not entirely correct, yes Bisla played the last few powerful strokes to get the win, but it was Kallis's knock that actually set the stage.
Thanks geo super for bringing such a fabulous season to our homes!