Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
Cricket fans are being treated to some superb sporting action of the highest calibre. While there have been individual brilliance in the batting and bowling departments both from overseas and domestic performers, the quality of fielding hasn't been too poor either. In the match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, there were quite a few brilliant moments on the field.
While Virat Kohli's attempt in the 19th over of the Rajasthan innings was just outstanding, Devdutt Padikkal also took a brilliant catch in the last over of the same innings. Later, Riyan Parag's save followed by a direct hit at the non-striking end to run out Virat Kohli was simply amazing. Not much later, it was the effort from Mustafizur Rahman that has got the internet talking.
The said fielding attempt happened in the 9th over of the Bangalore run-chase which was being bowled by Kartik Tyagi. While Tyagi pitched the fifth ball of the over a bit short on the off stump, Glenn Maxwell, who had hit the previous ball for a boundary, picked the length early and went ahead with the pull shot.
While the ball looked like it was going all the way for six, Mustafizur Rahman, who was stationed at fine leg, jumped over the line, pushed the ball inside the playing area before landing on the ground to save five runs for his side. The level of athleticism and commitment from the Bangladesh pacer was commendable and it has to be one of the highlights of the match.
Check out Mustafizur's effort here:
Earlier after opting to bowl first, Kohli & Co restricted the Men in Pink to 149/9. This after the openers had helped Rajasthan off to a great start and they had reached 91/1 in the first 10 overs. However, the bowlers led by Yuzvendra Chahal (2/18), Shahbaz Ahmed (2/10) and a 3-wicket final over by Purple cap holder Harshal Patel did not allow the Rajasthan to get away with the match from a situation where 200 looked like a real possibility.
Later couple of good innings from KS Bharat and Glenn Maxwell helped Banglaore finish off the run chase with 7 wickets in hand and 17 balls remaining.