ugc_banner

'I can't describe it': Moeen Ali becomes first English player to win Indian Premier League final

WION Web Team
New Delhi, India Updated: Oct 16, 2021, 09:19 PM IST
main img
Photograph:(Others)

Story highlights

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Moeen Ali became the first English cricketer to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) final on Friday (October 15).

All-rounder Moeen Ali became the first English cricketer to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) final as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 summit clash on Friday (October 15). CSK successfully defended a total of 192 runs to beat KKR by 27 runs to lift their fourth trophy at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

Ali, who was roped in by Chennai Super Kings in the player auction ahead of the 2021 season, scored 37 off 20 balls to help MS Dhoni & Co. set up a total of 192 runs, batting first in the all-important final. KKR got off to a brilliant start and looked well on course to victory after the opening pair of Shubman Gill (51) and Venkatesh Iyer (50) put on 91 runs for the first wicket.

However, they lost the plot after the duo's dismissal and could only manage 165/9 in 20 overs as CSK bowlers made a strong comeback in the game. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for CSK as he finished with figures of 3/38 in his four overs.

Though Sam Curran is also part of the CSK squad which has won the IPL 2021 title, Moeen is the first Englishman to feature in the playing XI of an IPL-winning team in the final. Earlier, the likes of David Willey and Mark Wood were part of the CSK squad when the Dhoni-led side won the title in 2018. However, none of them featured in the final.

Moeen said it was an amazing feeling for him and he never thought he would win an IPL title. “It’s amazing, and I can’t describe it really,” said the one-time World Cup-winner with England, who recently announced his retirement from Tests.

Moeen enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign for CSK in IPL 2021. He scored 357 runs and picked up six wickets in 15 matches for the Dhoni-led side and provided them with much-needed balance in their middle-order. Moeen would be hoping to get retained by CSK ahead of the mega auction.