During the 11th match of the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals at Bengaluru, Ben Stokes grabbed a screamer in a bid to draw first blood against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
After being put in to bat by Virat Kohli, Rajasthan Royals scored 217-4 in 20 overs. Chasing a target such as this, the Royal Challengers did not get off to a positive start as they lost Brendon McCullum in the first over itself.
What became a highlight of the first wicket was the catch taken by Stokes to dismiss McCullum. K Gowtham, who opened the bowling for the Royals, was hit a for a four on the first ball of the innings itself. However, Gowtham came back from behind to dismiss the former New Zealand captain.
On the fourth ball of the over, Gowtham bowled a short-pitch delivery to McCullum. The batsman pulled it with full force, but failed to keep it down. As a result, the ball went straight to Stokes at deep midwicket. That being said, to catch the ball at such a speed and by timing his jump to perfection made the catch look extra special.
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https://vimeo.com/264835954