Picture Credit: Twitter
Liam Livingstone is an interesting prospect to have in a team. He can hit the ball a long way, can pull off blinders on the field, and can also provide breakthroughs on crucial junctures. The English cricketer has made a name for himself with his ability to hit outrageous shots, but he was yet to prove his mettle in the world's toughest T20 league, the Indian Premier League (IPL).
It started really well for Livingstone as he was roped in by Punjab Kings at the IPL 2022 Mega Auction for more than 1 million USD. And now he is replying the faith shown by the franchise in him with his crucial knocks. Livingstone has not only cemented his place in the Punjab Kings' playing XI but has also become a prized wicket.
The swashbuckling batter contained his dominance against Sunrisers Hyderabad as well. Livingstone got off to a flying start and was making sure of the boundaries in the middle. But he was confronted by a bowler whose average speed remains around 140 kph. However, Livingstone used Malik's pace to his advantage as he hit the bowler for a 106-meters six on the third ball of the 12th over.
Malik also showed his aggression with a fierce bouncer. The ball nearly hit Livingstone's helmet as the batter tried to take on the short ball. But the PBKS batter was more disappointed at it not being called a bouncer by the umpire rather than missing the stump. He was visibly seen having a chat with the on-field umpires about the same.
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Although the umpires calmed him down with their words, Livingstone looked furious and he replied it with a head-blowing boundary on the next delivery. On the fifth delivery of the over, Malik bowled a full ball which was timed so well by Livingstone that it flew off his bat and almost blew the non-striker's head.