Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI) created history by taking their second clash in IPL 2020 to a double super over. It happened for the first time in IPL history and the thrilling game was eventually won by KXIP.
Punjab pacer Mohammad Shami was the hero for his team as he defended five runs in the first super over against Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma to push the game to another tie-breaker.
It's difficult to restrict a team inside such a low target in super over and that too against two of the finest batsmen. But Shami showed a brilliant display of bowling and the Punjab batters, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal, ensured they don't miss out on the opportunity created. KXIP won the match by chasing 12 runs in super over 2.0.
“Being able to defend just 5 runs against two most explosive batsmen is thoroughly satisfying,” Shami told BCCI. “There is no margin for error when the target is so small. I don’t think anybody would have given us a chance against such top-class batters. I remained hopeful and backed my skills. When you are bowling yorkers there is a chance that you will end up bowling a low full toss, but I am happy I could execute my skills.”
Shami had performed under crunch situation for the Indian cricket team in World Cup 2019 too. He defended 16 runs against Afghanistan when the opponent looked well into the game to chase it down. But he picked a hat-trick and sealed the game.
“The margin was very less in the World Cup clash against Afghanistan. I had to get my yorkers right. We were favorites to win and the game had gone right down to the wire. I am glad I could help India win that game and, in the course, also got my hat-trick. Such moments stay with you for a long time.”
