Amazing Stroke play

Today's game between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals was truly fascinating. The Mumbai team scored 212 for 6 in their 20 overs. Young Ambadi Rayudu and Saurav Tiwari put together 110 magnificent runs for the 5th wicket. Good to see young Rayudu perform. He had promised a great deal during the under 16 and the under 19 World Cups some time ago. A good IPL should put him back in the reckoning for National duty. Wonderful talent. I also believe that the Rajasthan Royals bowlers gave away too many free runs through wides.
But then the real treat was yet to come. The Royals stumbled and tumbled at the start. and soon were 4 down with very little on board. A mountain to climb and the commentators had begun to write them off. Out came Dogra to join Yousuf Pathan and what followed was simply breath taking. The hitting was simply out of this World. 100 in just 37 balls with 8 hits over the ropes and 9 boundaries. It was a classic demonstration of outstanding fearless stroke play. It was the ultimate display of self belief and confidence. Truly facing the situation on the front foot. The doubting Thomas's in the commentary box also began changing their tune.
It was just a stroke of sheare good luck that stopped the Pathan onslaught and saved the day for Mumbai Indians.
The Pathan Dogra show reminded me of the Yuvraj Kaif partnership at Lords a few years ago when they turned a seemingly lost cause into a famous win. I guess this is why we say "No match is won or lost till the last ball is bowled". I believe that this is also true with life. Never give up, hurdles could be great, but it is not really wise to write oneself off at any point in time.