How many times does one see the final over of a T20 match turning into a maiden? Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer Umran Malik did the unthinkable against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday as he bowled a 3-wicket maiden in the 20th over of the first innings.
Umran has been one of the finds of the new season. His ability to consistently bowl deliveries at over 150 kmph has earned him plenty of appreciation from fans, pundits and former cricketers. Against Punjab, however, Umran did something that’s among the rarest feats to achieve in T20 cricket.
Hard-hitters Odean Smith (13 off 13) and Kagiso Rabada (yet to face a ball) were on the pitch when Umran arrived to bowl the 20th over of the innings. While the first delivery was a dot, the second saw Umran dismiss Smith via a caught & bowled.
The third one also drew blank, with Rahul Chahar taking the strike. Umran then clean bowled Chahar as well, making it two scalps from four balls. The 5th delivery of the over also saw the J&K lad bagging a wicket, with Vaibhav Arora getting bowled for a golden duck.
On a hat-trick, Umran didn’t quite succeed in picking his 4th wicket of the over but didn’t concede a run as it turned out to be a run-out for Arshdeep Singh. Seeing his breathtaking display in the final over of the innings, the Twitterverse bowed down to the young speedster’s masterclass.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Umran’s masterclass that saw him pick a total of 4 wickets in the match for just 28 runs in 4 overs:
Speaking to the broadcaster Star Sports during the innings break, Umran said that he is used to bowling in extremely hot temperatures. He also expressed his desire to represent the Indian cricket team some day.
“Needs some time (to realise what he’s done). In Jammu, it usually gets to 47 or 48 degrees, so it doesn’t matter (the heat), it’s actually nice to play in this heat. I think I have got my line and length better over the last few days, the plan was to keep it full and straight, and in that channel just outside off,” he said.
Courtesy of Umran’s heroics, the Sunerisers restricted the Kings for just 151 runs.
