In a long-awaited debut appearance for IPL 2024, Rilee Rossouw stepped onto the field representing Punjab Kings against Mumbai Indians at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. This marked a significant inclusion in the PBKS lineup, replacing Jonny Bairstow, adding experience and anticipation for a substantial contribution.
The South African T20 stalwart aimed to make his mark in his maiden IPL 2024 appearance, yet his innings was abruptly cut short by a sensational delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. The encounter occurred in the second over of PBKS’ innings, as Rossouw faced only his third delivery, with Bumrah in full flow.
Facing an unstoppable full-length delivery that deviated sharply at the last moment, Rossouw found himself at the mercy of Bumrah’s mastery. Attempting a drive, the left-handed batsman was left stranded as the ball swung back in, crashing into the stumps and sending him back to the pavilion after a brief stay, scoring just one run from three deliveries.
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Meanwhile, as PBKS found themselves struggling at 49 for 5 in the seventh over, chasing a daunting 193-run target, their hopes of a resurgence rested on a pivotal partnership. Initially reeling at 14 for 4, a 35-run alliance between Shashank Singh and Harpreet Bhatia provided a glimmer of hope.
WHAT. A. BALL! 🎯
That’s a beaut of a delivery from @Jaspritbumrah93 to dismiss Rilee Rossouw ☝️
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/Lqk4vxUuss
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024
However, their aspirations were thwarted as Shreyas Gopal intervened, dismissing Bhatia for 13, halting PBKS’ momentum. Prior to this setback, Mumbai Indians concluded their innings at 192 for 7, anchored by Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar 78 off 53 balls, complemented by impactful contributions from Rohit Sharma (36) and Tilak Varma (34*).
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In the bowling department, Harshal Patel’s three-wicket haul and Sam Curran’s two crucial scalps added potency to PBKS’ efforts. As the contest unfolded, PBKS remained determined to mount a significant comeback, aiming to clinch a much-needed victory on their home turf.