IPL 2022: Five memorable knocks in losing cause

2. Wriddhiman Saha – 115 vs KKR

Just days after Suresh Raina’s heroics, Wriddhiman Saha had joined the party, too. As the Punjab team was playing its first IPL final, Saha probably played the best innings of his life. Having lost the toss, KXIP batted first and had a modest start.

In the first five overs, both the captain (George Bailey) and the centurion (Virender Sehwag) from the previous game were back in the pavilion. With the scoreboard reading 30/2, Saha joined in-form Manan Vohra to stabilize the innings. Subsequently, both the batters courageously produced a 129-run stand in the next 12 overs.

Saha, in particular, tonked eight sixes and 10 fours in his unbeaten knock of 115. Even the likes of Sunil Narine and Morne Morkel leaked runs at an economy of 10. Saha’s unbeaten efforts helped Punjab post a total of 199 runs.

However, in response, KKR got across the line with three balls to spare. Much like Saha’s explosive innings, the Purple Army had Manish Pandey to seal the deal. Eventually, the Knight Riders lifted their second IPL title in 2014.