In the last over of the PBKS vs MI IPL 2024 match, Rohit Sharma arranged the field after discussing with young pacer Akash Madhwal, while Hardik Pandya also provided his suggestions.
In the final over of an IPL 2024 come across among the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings at the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Rohit Sharma assumed captaincy. He had no choice. It was that sort of situation. In the end, with one wicket remaining, PBKS needed to score 12 runs off the final over. And keep in mind that Harshal Patel and Kagiso Rabada are significantly superior to what you would typically equate with a No. 10 or 11. In the last delivery of the 19th over, Rabada bowled Hardik Pandya with a hook shot for six that would have removed any doubts if there had been any.
In the crucial last over, Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya had two options for the bowler: West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd and the uncapped Indian pacer Akash Madhwal. Despite Madhwal conceding 44 runs in his 3 overs earlier, Hardik chose to trust the young right-arm pacer. Before the over began, Hardik had a long discussion with Madhwal to set the field correctly. It was at this point that Rohit Sharma intervened and took over the captaincy.
It seemed like the Indian captain was unhappy with the field placements.He ran towards Hardik and Madhwal. The quick bowler, who has always praised Rohit’s leadership, started by asking the former captain for advice right away. The three made a lot of hand motions, and in the end, it appeared that they chose the one Rohit felt would work best in that circumstance.
Setting the field became even trickier for MI because they were restricted to having only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last over instead of the usual five, as a consequence of their slow over rate.
While all this was unfolding, Jasprit Bumrah and keeper Ishan Kishan were observed discussing at the other end about the field setup they should adopt. MI appeared a bit unsettled, and understandably so. It shouldn’t have reached this point considering they had already taken six PBKS wickets for just 77 runs and then further reduced them to 111/7, with danger-man Shashank Singh departing after a solid 41 off 25 balls.
However, Ashutosh Sharma, the unexpected standout performer for PBKS this season, posed a significant challenge for the MI bowlers. The right-hander struck seven sixes, altering the equation to 28 runs required off the last four overs. Bumrah had to deliver a superb over, conceding only three runs in the 17th over to keep MI in contention.
With Ashutosh still at the crease and Bumrah having completed his overs, MI understood that the match wouldn’t go down to the wire if Ashutosh remained unbeaten. Hardik entrusted the ball to Gerald Coetzee. The imposing South African, as he has frequently done this season, delivered when needed most. He claimed the crucial wicket of Ashutosh on the first ball of the 18th over, ending a splendid innings of 61 runs off just 28 balls.
With Rabada and Harshal still at the crease in the last over, 12 runs seemed achievable. After discussing with Rohit and Hardik about the desired field setup, Madhwal began the last over with a wide delivery outside the off stump. The strategy was clear:. Rabada wouldn’t get anything in his hitting zone. The next delivery confirmed it – another wide yorker. Rabada drove it towards the covers and aimed for a second run to retain the strike. However, the seasoned Mohammad Nabi was more than equal to the task. He executed a precise throw from the cover boundary, directly to the keeper Kishan whipped the bails off to catch Rabada short of his crease. MI won the match by nine runs.
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