An audacious stroke, Ashutosh struck the ball high over the infield with nonchalant ease. This soaring shot pierced the evening sky, originating from Romario’s delivery. It was a clash of titans: Punjab Kings facing Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 spectacle at Mullanpur on April 18th.
The helicopter shot occurred during the eleventh over of Punjab’s run chase. Shephard bowled a back-of-a-length ball around the waist, which Ashutosh drew with a helicopter flourish, clearing the deep square leg. The right-hander was confident in his shot even before it cleared the fielder for the maximum, leaving everyone in wonder.
In the subsequent over, Ashutosh attempted a similar shot against MI captain Hardik Pandya. The 25-year-old also hammered Jasprit Bumrah for a six from a free hit in the thirteenth over. In the 16th over, he hit a six with a reverse scoop off Akash Madhwal.
Watch Ashutosh Sharma’s sixes below:
For the uninitiated, Ashutosh Sharma has had in outstanding form with the bat in IPL 2024. He has scored 31 (16), 33*(15), and 31 (17) against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Gujarat Titans, respectively. The Madhya Pradesh hitter will now try to maintain his success in the IPL, impress selectors, and earn a spot in Team India.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Fifty Goes in Vain as MI Clinch 9-Run Victory over PBKS in IPL 2024
Punjab batter Ashutosh Sharma’s 61 runs couldn’t stop Mumbai from winning. Requiring 193, Punjab were all out for 183 with five balls left. Ashutosh hit seven sixes and two fours to top score. He put on 51 with Harpreet Brar (21 off 20) for the eighth wicket. Shashank Singh’s 41 from 25 balls, including three sixes and two fours, also stood out.
Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee seized three wickets apiece for Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya, Akash Madhwal, and Shreyas Gopal each snagged one wicket.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians mustered 192/7 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav shone, smashing 78 off 53 balls, including three sixes and seven fours. He combined with Rohit Sharma (36 off 25) for an 81-run stand after Ishan Kishan’s early dismissal. Tilak Varma contributed 34 off 18, hitting two sixes and as many fours.
Harshal Patel was PBKS’ highest wicket-taker, with 3/31, while skipper Sam Curran took two wickets.