MUMBAI, (Reuters) – The most expensive signing of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chris Morris proved to be worth every penny as the Rajasthan Royals fired into a thrilling three-wicket victory against the Delhi Capitals on Thursday.
Rajasthan made a splash at the February players’ auction by plundering a record $ 2.17 million to sign the 33-year-old South Africa after a fierce bidding war with the Punjab Kings.
Morris began to recoup that huge expense with a spectacular late attack for the 2008 champions on Thursday.
With Rajasthan needing 27 runs off the last two overs with three wickets in hand, Morris beat four sixes off the final 10 balls to seal the win.
“There are boys who are paid for matting and there are boys who are paid for sliding. I know who I am, ”said Morris after his 36 beats from 18 balls secured his team’s first victory in this year’s tournament.
“I’m a slogan at the end of the day who shakes everything he can.”
However, it did not look like everyone in Rajasthan believed in Morris’ sliding skills earlier in the week.
As five runs were needed off the last two balls against Punjab, Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson struck the first for a backer but refused a single, sending a non-striker Morris back and deciding to face the last ball himself.
The move did not pay dividends and Samson was dismissed, and fired 119, with the last ball as Punjab grabbed a narrow victory.
Morris’ wry smile after being sent back by Samson went viral on Twitter but the well-rounded player said he planned to turn back anyway.
“I was going to run back no matter what because Sanju was hitting him so sweetly,” said Morris.
“People underestimate how fast I run. Sanju hit it like a dream that night. ”