A brilliant all-round performance helped local favourite Hyderabad Heroes pull off a sensational four-run victory over Chennai Superstars to storm into the final of ICL Twenty20 tournament in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Electing to bat, Heroes put up a competitive total of 147 for six and then skittled out Superstars for 143 in the first semi-final played at Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium.
Requiring 12 runs from the last over, bowled by Justin Kemp, Heroes lost three wickets --two in first two balls-- to see the end of their hopes.
Hemang Badani (50) put up a good resistance by hitting a half-century but did not get support from others as Superstars crumbled under pressure as required run-rate soared.
Razzaq came up with a two-wicket burst early in the innings and Heroes failed to build partnerships which cost them dear.
Razzaq drew the first blood by removing G Vignesh in the very first over and then Kemp sent back dangerous Ian Harvey in the next over to leave opponents reeling at four for two.
Razzaq struck again when he had Russel Arnold (16) caught by Kemp and skipper Stuart law added to the woes by running himself out.
Earlier, Heroes put up a competitive total with South African Nicky Boje being the highest scorer for them.
Boje scored 47 runs and shared a crucial 55-run stand for the third wicket with Ambati Rayudu (25) when Heroes were struggling at 23 for two.
Boje's 38-ball knock was studded with six boundaries and one shot over the ropes.
Stuart Binny played a handy knock of 24-run down the order and helped his team reach near the 150-run mark.
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