The IPL 2024 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mullanpur saw a rollercoaster of emotions, with young PBKS batter Ashutosh Sharma‘s dismissal sparking contrasting reactions from the respective camps.
Ashutosh, playing a fiery knock, had put PBKS in a strong position with a scintillating 61 runs off just 28 deliveries. The innings, laced with seven sixes and two fours, kept MI bowlers on the back foot.
However, Sharma’s dismissal by fast bowler Gerald Coetzee turned the tide in MI’s favour. The wicket brought forth a vivid display of contrasting emotions.
Disappointment for Preity Zinta
Punjab Kings owner Preity Zinta, known for her animated presence at the IPL matches, was left visibly disappointed by the dismissal.
Dejected Preity Zinta (PC: X)
A picture captured her with a dejected expression, reflecting the setback for her team.
The reaction of Preity Zinta after Ashutosh Sharma got out. pic.twitter.com/LllcPz4yqv
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 18, 2024
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah shine as MI edge past PBKS in a thriller
Coetzee’s Elation
On the other hand, Coetzee, the South African pacer who picked up the much-needed wicket for his team, was seen pumping his fist and celebrating with his teammates.
Gerald Coetzee might not have performed to our expectations but that 18th over literally changed the game. pic.twitter.com/FIBO7EKYP9
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 18, 2024
The dismissal proved to be a significant turning point as MI clawed their way back into the contest. MI eventually bundled out PBKS for 183 and won the contest by 9 runs.
Also WATCH: Ashutosh Sharma sends the ball sailing with a sweep shot against MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah | IPL 2024
Coetzee’s big praise for Ashutosh
After the match, Coetzee commended Punjab’ emerging batter Ashutosh for his brave performance.
“He [Ashutosh Sharma] played exceptionally well; he posed a significant challenge for us. Therefore, we aimed to be very clear in our tactical approach, and I believe we executed our plan effectively against him. The match was tense, as evident to all spectators. It was crucial for us to dismiss him, and we were pleased with that outcome. He was steering the game in their favor, so it was a significant breakthrough,” Coetzee remarked during the post-match press conference.
In the 18th over, Ashutosh fell victim to a slower delivery from Coetzee, with which Punjab’s hopes of registering a win came to an end. The remaining two batters could add just 15 runs to the total, with PBKS losing the contest by 9 runs after Kagiso Rabada‘s run-out.
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