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Photo: Crictoday
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Punjab Kings have almost romped home against Mumbai Indians in a match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. However, some suicidal mistakes, lack of support in the batting, bowling and fielding departments led to their downfall in a tight encounter.
Though Punjab Kings’ top order faltered against some top class bowling by Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee, emerging batters Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma once again stood firm to put MI under huge pressure.
Ashutosh was the most impressive batter among the two as he continued hitting fours and sixes to bring up a sensational fifty. He hit an incredible six like former South African Mr 360 degree batter AB de Villiers on a free hit in the over, bowled by Akash Madhwal.
In the 16th over of Pubjab’s innings, Madhwal overstepped on the fourth delivery, and the batter got a chance to free his arms. He had already hit a six. The batter took his left leg to the onside and reverse-scooped the free hit over third man for a six. His stroke had shades of the legendary South African batter AB de Villiers.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was mighty pleased with the effort of the young batter.
“Ashutosh Sharma is the second batter after AB de Villiers who has played this kind of shot. I haven’t seen anyone doing it over the years after ABD. De Villiers used to do it. Ashutosh made it look so easy. He is a talented batter, who is getting better and better after every game,” said Bhajji on air.
