Watch: Ashutosh Sharma played another brilliant knock in today’s IPL 2024 clash between PBKS and MI, which included a cracking sweep off a Jasprit Bumrah yorker for six.
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Chasing 193, Punjab Kings were off to a horrendous start, losing four wickets inside the first 13 balls with the score reading 14-4. From there, they recovered courtesy of a 35-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shashank Singh and Harpreet Bhatia, a 28-run sixth-wicket partnership between Shashank and Jitesh Sharma, a 34-run seventh-wicket partnership between Shashank and Ashutosh Sharma, and a 57-run eighth-wicket partnership between Ashutosh and Harpreet Brar.
Ashutosh came out to bat at No.8, with PBKS requiring another 116 runs in 10.4 overs. He took the attack to the MI bowlers, taking no time in bringing out the big blows. His first seven balls included two sixes and a four as he was off to 28 off 10 balls.
Bumrah was called back to bowl the 13th over of the innings. After bowling a no-ball on the fifth ball of the over, he went for a typical quick yorker on off-stump for the free-hit.
However, Ashutosh was ready for it. He anticipated the yorker, moved his front leg way outside off stump, bent his back knee, turned the yorker into a full-toss and swept it over fine-leg for a massive six, leaving everyone in awe.
Ashutosh Sharma – Find for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024⭐️#AshutoshSharma #PBKSvsMI #IPL2024 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/A838GPEFSn
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) April 18, 2024
That was his fourth six of the night. He would go on to hit three more en route to a 23-ball 50, before eventually perishing for 61 off 28. Punjab finished on 183, falling short by nine runs. The six which he hit off Bumrah was the only six conceded by the fast bowler in the game.
Watch Ashutosh Sharma sweep Jasprit Bumrah for cracking six:
Confidence & composure! ✨
Ashutosh Sharma reaches his Maiden IPL fifty and he's kept the chase well & truly alive! 🔥
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱 #TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/YUIR7gn9Bu
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024