The final frontier is here, as two former champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), collide in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final at the Dubai

The final frontier is here, as two former champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), collide in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. The two sides met in the 2012 final, during which the latter won its maiden title.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: "Feel on top of the moon to get the orange cap and have the winners trophy. Hard to describe in words, but amazing to win here after the season we had last year. I was part of the previous season where we didn't qualify, coming here, everyone had the belief, thankfully it happened here and I'm really happy. I didn't try to change [my game], when you're performing well and confident of your shots with lesser risks, you get the rewards. Yes, sometimes you have to make sure you're there till the end."

Moeen Ali after a convincing win in the final: "[The first Englishman to win IPL] Feeling amazing, can't describe it. My first year, and been amazing. Gaikwad is an amazing player, and he's got no weaknesses.

Dhoni strolls past the centre casually even as the world around goes ecstatic in celebration. 300 T20s old as leader and he remains grounded, calm and composed as ever, and in the twilight of his career, he's remains the King of the ring!

Yellow Army takes over Dubai!

 

KKR 165/9 in 20 overs: Just three runs from the first three balls as Bravo rolls his fingers over the ball. Dhoni still continues to adjust his field! Another dot. 29 off 2.  The whistles have taken over Dubai!  Slower one and Mavi holes out to the deep. No.167 for Bravo - he becomes the second leading wicket-taker in IPL history!  A dot finish and CSK clinches its fourth IPL title by 27 runs!  Dhoni's boys are back and HOW!!!

Bravo for the final over.

KKR 162/8 in 19 overs: A 10-ball over from Thakur! Extras aplenty from Thakur to finish and MSD is not pleased one bit! All little too late as KKR needs 31 in one over.

KKR 145/8 in 18 overs: KKR fans, hold on says Mavi. He clobbers Mavi for two massive sixes and a boundary to finish the over. Dhoni isn't pleased with the length and gestures angrily. KKR needs 48 in 12 balls.

Bravo is back. This is all but over for KKR. 66 needed from 18 balls.

KKR 127/8 in 17 overs: Hazlewood to Morgan. OUT! He fails to get hold of it again! Brilliant work from Chahar at deep fine leg and a horrendous season for Morgan ends in shambles.  Hazlewood tucks it short to Morgan's shoulders as he aims for an ambitious pull. Hazlewood gets hold off the ball and balances himself over the boundary and back while getting hold off the ball.  Eoin Morgan c Chahar b Hazlewood 4 (8b)

KKR 125/7 in 16 overs: Thakur to Tripathi. OUT! Another one bites the dust. Tripathi was in no position and condition to play a slog but the desperation gets the better off him. Thakur hits the slot and Tripathi mistimes it. Moeen has an easy grab at long-on.  Rahul Tripathi c Ali b Thakur 2 (3b)

KKR needs 73 in 30 balls. Thakur is back! Tripathi has finally walk out to bat with a niggle.

The team that plays the best cricket in Friday's final will leave Dubai as the new IPL champions. However, in CSK's case, they would be hoping for a revival of fortune from the position that they were in during the 2012 edition where they failed to cross the final hurdle against KKR. Chennai was hoping to win their third straight IPL crown but, Kolkata dented their hopes.