Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul has revealed that Mohammed Shami wanted to bowl six yorkers in the Super Over against Mumbai Indians at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Mumbai Indians posted 176 runs on the board and Kings XI Punjab also scored 176 as the match was tied.
In fact, the first Super Over was also tied and Punjab was able to get over the line in the second Super Over after brilliant batting from Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal. However, it was Mumbai Indians, who had the advantage in the first Super Over.
Jasprit Bumrah, who is known for his accurate yorkers, conceded only five runs in the first Super Over. Thus, Mumbai Indians had to score only six runs to claim two points. However, Mohammed Shami was able to nail the yorkers in the Super Over and gave away only five runs, to enforce another Super Over.
In fact, Shami was under more pressure as he had to defend only five runs in the Super Over. Shami’s execution of yorkers against two quality batsmen – Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma was top class. Shami bowled a dot on the fourth ball against Rohit Sharma and conceded only a single each on rest of the five deliveries.
KL Rahul said in the post-match ceremony, “You can’t prepare for Super Overs, no team prepares for Super Overs. You have to trust your bowling group and it is important you let them believe their instinct and gut. Shami was certain he wanted to go for six yorkers and he has been phenomenal for us. It is important senior guys put their hands up for us. We still want to take it one game at a time and when you haven’t won a lot in the first seven, every victory is sweet. The talk in the dressing room is to focus on the process and stay calm”.
Kings XI Punjab was able to get the much-needed two points under their belt and this will help them stay in the playoffs race. Mayank Agarwal also played a crucial role as he saved four runs at the boundary and struck two boundaries in the second Super Over, bowled by Trent Boult. Chris Gayle also smashed a first-ball six after MI posted 11 runs in the second Super Over.
KL Rahul was once again brilliant with the bat as he scored 77 runs off 51 balls and thus he was awarded the Player of the match. Punjab will play their next match against Delhi Capitals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 20th October.
