Credit: @bwin
The Australian maestro overshadows the big names with a record-breaking ton
The Indian Premier League, a neon-lit spectacle of cricket infused with Bollywood glitz, had just roared into life with Brendon McCullum's record-breaking tonne in Bangalore. On April 19th, 2008, the action shifted north to Mohali, and the man stealing the show this time was a seasoned Australian campaigner, Michael Hussey.
This is the story of how "Mr. Cricket," as he'd come to be known, bludgeoned his way to a magnificent century, propelling the Chennai Super Kings to a dominant victory over Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the newly crowned "most expensive player" in the IPL, surprised many by opting to bat first on a pitch that seemed tailor-made for strokeplay. His gamble, however, hinged on the experience and firepower of his middle order. Early hiccups saw Chennai lose Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden cheaply, but then came the man of the moment, Michael Hussey.
Stepping out to the crease at number 3, Hussey displayed a masterclass in controlled aggression. He wasn't fazed by the big names in the Punjab bowling attack, dispatching deliveries from the likes of Brett Lee with disdain.
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Mike Hussey scored 116 * runs from just 54 balls
His ability to rotate strikes and punish loose deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking over at a brisk pace. He found a willing partner in Suresh Raina, and together they stitched together a quickfire partnership of 66 runs.
Even after Raina's dismissal, Hussey remained unfazed, treating the Punjab bowlers with utter disregard. Sixes were launched over mid-wicket, boundaries were found with exquisite timing, and slow bowlers were dealt with disdain. His fifty came off just 50 balls, a testament to his clean hitting and exceptional eye.
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In 2013, Michael Hussey and Dwayne Bravo won orange cap & purple cap
As Hussey neared his century, the Mohali crowd erupted in anticipation. He reached the landmark with a single off Lee; his fifty balls set a record for the fastest IPL hundred at that time. He wasn't done yet, though. Two more sixes later, Chennai closed their innings on a staggering 240 runs, thanks largely to Hussey's unbeaten 116—an innings that redefined power-hitting in the fledgling IPL.
Chasing a mammoth target, Kings XI Punjab got off to a flying start, with James Hopes leading the charge. Hopes, known for his aggressive batting, smashed a quickfire 50 (32 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes), keeping Punjab in the hunt. However, the dismissal of Hopes proved to be the turning point.
Kumar Sangakkara, the other mainstay in the Punjab batting, played a gritty knock of 54 (42 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), but wickets fell at regular intervals, extinguishing any hope of a chase. The asking rate climbed steadily, and eventually, Punjab fell short by 33 runs.
Credit: @TimesNow
Mr. Cricket for a reason
The inaugural match may have been McCullum's night, but Hussey ensured the spotlight shifted to him on day two. His hundred, a blend of brute force and elegant strokeplay, not only sealed a crucial victory for CSK but also announced the arrival of a new IPL superstar.
The image of a jubilant Hussey celebrating his hundred, a text message to his brother David (who scored just 12 runs in the first match) undoubtedly brewing in his mind, perfectly captured the electric atmosphere of the young IPL.
