At 77/6, with most of their batting lineup back in the pavilion, PBKS appeared to be in a dire situation in the 193-run chase. However, Ashutosh’s remarkable innings of 61 runs off just 28 balls resurrected their hopes out of nowhere.
Displaying audacious strokeplay, Ashutosh executed helicopter pulls, dispatched Jasprit Bumrah for a six with a sweeping shot, and punished Akash Madhwal’s bowling, leaving MI stunned for a moment.
However, his dismissal in the deep when the hosts were just 25 runs away from victory halted their momentum, and the lower-order couldn’t carry them across the finish line.
Once again, Bumrah (3/21) emerged as the standout performer for MI, claiming crucial wickets with the new ball and later breaking a threatening partnership by dismissing Shashank Singh. Even amidst the onslaught from the opposition batsmen, Bumrah remained economical and showcased his brilliance yet again.
Another MI pacer Gerald Coetzee made a significant contribution with figures of 3/32, shifting the momentum in MI’s favour by dismissing Ashutosh at a crucial juncture.
He described the match as a see-saw battle, noting that until the very end, both teams had opportunities to clinch victory, with the outcome uncertain until the final over.
“What a game! We got a good total on the board, we started really well (with the ball), we thought we had it.. cricket is a funny game and they batted really well, it was like a seesaw and couldn’t decide who would win the game.
I saw the ball land and knew it would spin, so I got my body behind, I didn’t care how I stopped it as long as I stopped it (16.3). It is incredible, it is completely different to whatever I have experienced and even the fan experience, just incredible,” he said.
