So badly wanted to make it to finals: Suresh Raina recalls epic 25-ball 87 vs KXIP in IPL 2014
Though Suresh Raina’s 25-ball 87 run knock went in vain in IPL 2014 Qualifier, the Southpaw said that innings remain very special for me as he was desperate to take his side over the line.
Suresh Raina played a 25-ball 87 knock in IPL 2014 Qualifier vs Kings XI Punjab. (BCCI Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Suresh Raina had scored 25-ball 87 during IPL 2014 Qualifier
- CSK posted a throwback picture on Saturday from that epic match
- Raina said his majestic innings remain very special for him
The 2014 Indian Premier Qualifier saw two blistering innings from two different players on the opposite sides. At first, Virender Sehwag registered his highest IPL score to help Kings XI Punjab post a mammoth total, and later, during the chase, Suresh Raina missed out on the fastest half-century in the cricketing history by just 13 runs.
However, Suresh Raina’s valiant effort went in vain as Chennai Super Kings fell 24 runs short of the target after Sehwag’s magnificent 122 runs in 58 balls took Punjab to 226/6.
CSK on Saturday shared a throwback picture of Raina’s run-out from that epic Qualifier and wrote that his majestic 25-ball 87 run knock would always remain in the minds of the fans.
Sharing that post, Suresh Raina conceded that, that knock remains very special for me and also wrote that he was desperate to take his side over the line.
Only thing was running through my mind was not to give up & make it through. So badly wanted to make it to the finals. It will always remain a very special knock for me. #WhistlePodu https://t.co/iiuBfOk5wE
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) May 30, 2020
In the 2nd Qualifier in IPL 2014, CSK were chasing a target of 227 runs. After losing Faf du Plessis for early, Raina started to hit the ball from the word go as he raced to the second-fastest fifty in IPL in just 16 balls.
The southpaw hit 12 fours and six sixes in his innings that helped put CSK at100 runs in just six overs. However, Raina was run out after the Powerplay with George Bailey’s direct hit.
CSK kept losing wickets after Raina’s run out and as a result, KXIP reached their first-ever IPL final to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the title clash. KKR had defeated KXIP in the IPL 2014 final to clinch the trophy for the second time.
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