NEW DELHI:
Shimron Hetmyer
's explosive batting propelled the Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh on Saturday.
With this win, Rajasthan Royals have maintained their position at the top of the points table. They have 10 points in 6 matches - 5 wins and 1 loss.
With Punjab Kings restricted to 147/8 in their 20 overs, Rajasthan Royals faced a challenging chase, especially after the dismissals of
Riyan Parag
and
Dhruv Jurel
.
IPL: POINTS TABLE | ORANGE CAP | PURPLE CAP
However, entering the fray under pressure, Hetmyer showcased his prowess as a finisher, smashing an unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls.
Despite limited opportunities with the bat throughout the season, Hetmyer's onslaught included four boundaries and three sixes, culminating in the winning shot that secured victory for RR with a ball to spare.
"(On finishing games) It's just practice, I try as much as possible to bat properly in the nets first and then when everyone's finished, I go back and try my best to hit sixes. It's a blessing and a curse (on being the finisher). Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. I am happy that I could help the team pull off a victory today. They (pressure) creep in the first couple of balls that I face, afterwards I just try to keep it as clear as possible," Hetmyer said after the match.
"Even in the last over after I missed the first two balls, he (Boult) came down to me and he was like "Don't worry, we've got this," and I was able to feed off his energy and it really worked. I would have taken it (single with 2 runs needed off 2 balls). I spoke to Boulty and he said, "I got this." After he said that, I was like even if I don't get the other one, I'll try my best to get a single. Even if we don't win it, at least tie it. I was really looking to get a single or double and then the full toss came and I tried to hit it over the guys that were inside. Being away from family, the only way you could keep yourself up is by just enjoying every moment that you're here," Hetmyer added.
Rajasthan Royals will now face Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
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