Why Was Malinga Allowed to Bowl the Last Over in the 2019 IPL Final?

The 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) final was a tense affair, and one strategic decision stands out—the tasking of Lasith Malinga with bowling the last over. This choice has sparked debates and analyses—why risk one of the most expensive bowlers to end the match? Let's delve into the reasoning behind this remarkable decision.

The Cost of Malinga's Economy Rate

Lasith Malinga, despite his reputation for being ‘expensive’ towards the end of the innings, was trusted by the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Rohit Sharma. His experience in handling pressure situations and delivering under pressure cannot be understated. Malinga's career statistics have shown that he often converts his generally pricey bowling figures into high-pressure successes.

Malinga's Track Record: A study of Malinga's performance in the last over reveals a nearly 100% success rate. This was no fluke; his slow yorkers and ability to take wickets consistently have proven crucial in pivotal moments.

Context of the Decision

Rohit Sharma had a strategic checklist when deciding who would bowl the last over:

Experience: Malinga had bowled many crucial overs before. Contact with Batsmen: Hardik Pandya, another option, is known for taking wickets but not for restricting batsmen with his bowling. Stopping Batsmen: Krunal Pandya, despite his impressive figures, had already given away almost 40 runs in his previous overs. Fielding Positioning: Rohit Sharma was actively monitoring fielding positions, ensuring the right chances were available for quick runs.

Rohit's cautious approach included keeping his watchful eye on the match conditions. When Watson was finally dismissed, and no recognized batsman was available to face the crucial last ball, the gamble paid off handsomely.

Strategic Behind-the-Scenes Analysis

The decision was not just a moment of courage, but a well-thought-out plan:

1. Timing the Delivery: With Watson out, the match already over in the second last over, the last ball was crucial. The thought was to use Malinga's inconsistent but difficult-to-hit yorkers in a manner that would maximize pressure on Watson, the only batsman left.

2. Controlling Watson: Rohit's experience with Watson's batting technique was key. He knew Watson was tense and would likely take the second run. Malinga's bowling style, with its slow, elusive movements, could make Watson feel uncomfortable and increase the chance of a run-out.

3. Monitoring Fielding: Rohit had his fielders under his eye, ready to act swiftly if Watson attempted to take a run. The placement of fielders was crucial, with a specific focus on quick two-runs.

The Outcome: A Turning Point

The end was a mix of strategy and execution:

Malinga delivered 4 no-balls in the last over, forcing Watson to take a second run. The run-out was immediate, crucial for MI's win. This was not just a win for MI, but a win for the calculated strategy and leadership of Rohit Sharma.

The ESPN Cricinfo overview of MI's bowling figures in the final provides more context. Three fast bowlers—McClenaghan, Bumrah, and Chahar—completed their quota of 4 overs each. Krunal Pandya had already given away 40 runs in his last three overs, while Hardik Pandya, while a menace with the ball, was more prone to taking risks.

Hardik, despite his wicket-taking prowess, was a gamble on defense. In contrast, Malinga's consistent performances under pressure made him the ideal candidate.

Conclusion

The decision to give Malinga the last over was a masterstroke by MI. It encapsulates not just the team's faith in their experienced bowler, but also the shrewd leadership of Rohit Sharma. A deep analysis reveals the strategy and preparation that led to this remarkable outcome. The result speaks volumes about the team's preparedness and the captain's strategic brilliance.

MI’s victory in the 2019 IPL final is a testament to the team's ability to handle the most pressure-packed moments. This anecdote showcases the strategic depth that lies within. It's a reminder that even a costly bowler can be turned into an asset with the right placement and tactics.