5 Instances when Rohit Sharma pulled off unlikely wins in IPL

1. 73* (50) vs Deccan Chargers in Vizag, 2012

Vizag stood host for the game between Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians during the 2012 season. DC’s Shikhar Dhawan began in an aggressive manner smashing four sixes and two fours during his 24-ball 41. He got out at the score of 46/3 in 7 overs out of which the other DC players scored 5 runs in 3 overs. The home side somehow managed to end up with 138/9 which was believed to be a tricky target considering the venue conditions and a bowling attack that was in form.

Mumbai team scored only 29/2 in the powerplay which was dominated by Dale Steyn whose first spell read 2-1-6-2. Rohit Sharma began cautiously as he needed to make it up for the absence of Sachin Tendulkar. MI’s required rate kept climbing up despite Rohit ensuring the scorecard moved along. Pollard struck three sixes during his 18-ball 24 before getting out in the 17th over. Sharma was batting on 44 from 40 balls when MI needed 38 from three overs.

Rohit showed first signs of aggression in the game by smashing a couple of sixes to Amit Mishra during the 18th over. But Dinesh Karthik struggled while facing Dale Steyn who cleaned up the MI keeper in the 19th over conceding just 5 singles. James Franklin handed strike to Rohit after getting seven runs in his first three balls of the final when they were needed 11 to win. Daniel Christian bowled a low full-toss outside-off which was converted into a six by Sharma.

Rohit picked a risky couple to retain the strike with MI needing three from the last ball. Christian delivered another full-toss on the final ball which Rohit sent over the long-on fence to take MI over the winning line. Rohit ended up with 73* off 50 balls with five sixes. It was the 3rd time where Rohit Sharma finished off a successful chase in the IPL by hitting a six on the last ball. No player other than Rohit till date has even achieved this feat more than once.