A win, and how.

And along with the woe of a Rameez Raja return comes a welcome piece of happy news- a Chargers win (finally!).

Considering our form in the last three games, I thought there was no way we'd be able to take on Mumbai (what with those two legendary- so much so, they're nearly ancient- players at the top of the Mumbai batting line up, all credit to them). But the Chargers have, happily, proved me wrong and I have no shame in admitting that!
RP was wonderful, taking the wickets of aforementioned legends in two consecutive balls (the one that castled The Little Master himself was an absolute peach, really) in his first over- giving us the first peek at a possible victory. But then came JP Duminy who at one point, looked all cushiony comfy and along with Dwayne Bravo (tell me again, why he isn't in England playing for the Windies?), set to steer the Mumbai Indians home.

Luckily for us, there were contributions from everybody- Ryan Harris with two outstanding catches in the field, good close in fielding from Gibbs saving singles and building pressure, two surprise wickets from Suman- but the masterstroke was Gilchrist handing the ball to Rohit Sharma (and not VENU, as he's done in a few crucial matches, and at crucial moments nonetheless, although I must admit that Venu was good with the bat today).

Just a while earlier, Rohit, trying for a gravity-defying catch, fell flat on his face-literally- and hit his nose hard on the ground. He looked like he might have to go off the field, but that is one tough dude. He shook his head a few times, looked a little zoned out for an over or so, but was fine after that. He came on to bowl and my oh my, what an evening he had. Four wickets at a crucial time with a hattrick, no less! Amazing fella. I was laughing away- ROHIT SHARMA with a hattrick? He was barely even recognized as an international level part-timer! Brilliant stuff.

And the way Gilly was shouting and clapping behind the stumps! Enthusiastic as any of those young wicketkeepers in the IPL- and he's 37! I love it when the senior players show so much spirit and love for the game. It's great to watch. Just look at Jayasuriya or Murali or Hayden for more examples! Or even Kumble! The way he dives around in the field, anyone could be forgiven for thinking he's not a day older than 25.

Great team effort and RP's back with the purple cap! Now if only there was some way to prevent that Abdulla dude from getting more than 1 wicket tomorrow and trying to claim back the cap.