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Stokes stars in Pune's dramatic last-ball win: a night of grit, grittier hitting, and glorious sixes
The 1st of May in 2017 will forever be etched in the memory of IPL fans. On this day, a spectacular innings by a young English all-rounder not only sealed a thrilling victory for the Rising Pune Super Giants but also announced his arrival on the big stage of the IPL. This is the story of Ben Stokes' phenomenal 103* against the Gujarat Lions, a knock that defied cramps, wickets tumbling at the other end, and a determined bowling attack.
Sent in to bat, the Gujarat Lions got off to a flying start. Brendon McCullum (45) and Ishan Kishan (31) treated the RPSG bowling with disdain, racing to 55 runs in just over five overs. However, the early joy was short-lived. The introduction of spin wizard Imran Tahir triggered a dramatic collapse.
From a promising position, the Lions lost their way, surrendering wickets in quick succession. Their batting order, boasting big names like Dwayne Smith (0) and Suresh Raina (8), simply couldn't handle the combined threat of Tahir's guile and some disciplined bowling by the RPSG pacers. Eventually, they were bundled out for a meagre 161 runs.
Chasing a seemingly manageable target, RPSG themselves got off to a disastrous start. Their top order, including the in-form skipper Steve Smith (4), was dismantled by some fiery pace bowling from Pradeep Sangwan and Basil Thampi. With half their side back in the pavilion for a mere 42 runs, the match seemed to be slipping away from RPSG.
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Ben Stokes’ 103* off 63 balls led RPSG to a five-wicket win
However, amidst the chaos, a lone warrior emerged: Ben Stokes. From the very outset, he displayed his power and intent, counterpunching the bowlers with some exquisite strokeplay. While wickets continued to fall around him, Stokes held his nerve, anchoring the chase. He ensured the asking rate remained manageable and punished any loose deliveries with brutal disdain.
While Stokes was busy carrying the fight single-handedly, MS Dhoni (26 of 33), usually the man for the big occasion, found himself struggling against the Lions' spinners. His scoring rate was slow, and his dismissal in the 16th over added to the pressure on RPSG.
However, Stokes found an able ally in the form of Daniel Christian. The Aussie all-rounder played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and allowing Stokes to continue his onslaught. Even when cramps began to hinder Stokes' movement, his determination didn't waver. He launched two monstrous sixes in the penultimate over to bring the equation down to a manageable target.
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Dan Christian made it for RPSG
With just eight runs required off the final over, Stokes, visibly hampered by cramps, could manage only a single off the first ball. The tension was palpable, but Christian (17) held his nerve. He dispatched the next delivery from James Faulkner over the ropes, sending the RPSG dugout and the Pune crowd into a frenzy. RPSG needed just one run off the last two balls, and Christian duly finished the game in style, guiding the ball to the boundary behind square leg.
Ben Stokes' unbeaten 103, his maiden IPL century, was the defining moment of the match. His knock was a masterpiece of power, grit, and determination. It not only secured a crucial victory for RPS but also announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.
