Manish Pandey. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
In the 51st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced off against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-stakes encounter. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, KKR put up a competitive total of 169 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
The innings witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions for KKR fans, with early setbacks followed by a remarkable recovery led by Venkatesh Iyer and Manish Pandey. Opening the batting, Phil Salt departed early, followed by quick dismissals of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, skipper Shreyas Iyer, and Sunil Narine. At 57/5, KKR’s innings hung in the balance.
However, it was Venkatesh Iyer who anchored the innings with a composed knock, scoring a crucial 70 runs from 52 deliveries, including six boundaries and three sixes. His partnership with Manish Pandey, who joined him at the crease after the fall of the fifth wicket, proved to be the turning point for KKR.
Pandey, known for his ability to stabilize innings and accelerate when needed, showcased his class with a magnificent innings. Displaying a perfect blend of timing and power, Pandey played a crucial role in resurrecting KKR’s innings. His innings of 42 runs from 31 balls, embellished with two boundaries and two towering sixes, injected much-needed momentum into KKR’s innings.
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The highlight of Pandey’s innings came in the 16th over when he faced Jasprit Bumrah, one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. Bumrah, known for his accuracy and deceptive variations, delivered a short-of-a-length ball outside off-stump. Pandey, recognizing the opportunity, unleashed a breathtaking shot, guiding the ball over the third man fielder for a colossal six.
Here’s the video of Pandey’s’ magnificent shot:
WHAT A SHOT BY MANISH PANDEY AGAINST BUMRAH. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wPhkgkp7eg
An upper cut to up the ante 👌
Manish Pandey with an impact in his first game for #KKR this season 👊
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #MIvKKR | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/rW27LwhYd9
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2024
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
The shot left the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in awe of Pandey’s skill and audacity. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pandey’s innings provided KKR with a fighting chance, setting a challenging target for MI to chase down.