In a thrilling encounter in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, uncapped stars Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma of Punjab Kings (PBKS) showcased a remarkable fighting spirit, albeit falling just short of a victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Their partnership nearly replicated the heroics of a previous match against Gujarat Titans, where they led their team to a stunning victory.
Requiring 67 runs off the last four overs, SRH seemed to be in a commanding position. However, Shashank and Ashutosh displayed great determination, keeping their team’s hopes alive. Their aggressive intent was evident as Shashank smashed three boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in one over, adding 17 runs to the total. Meanwhile, Ashutosh hit consecutive fours off Pat Cummins in the 18th over, maintaining their team’s chances.
Despite their efforts, PBKS fell short, finishing at 180/6, just 2 runs away from the target. Shashank remained unbeaten on 46* off 25 balls, while Ashutosh finished not out on 33 off 15.
Experts and fans took to social media to applaud the duo’s performance. Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle hailed them as “one of the best double acts in the Tata IPL,” while former India cricketer Robin Uthappa praised their effort, calling it a thrilling match.
Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra lauded the young batters, emphasizing the importance of belief and confidence in their performance. He highlighted the duo as a representation of the new India’s cricketing talent.
Aakash Chopra said
“Yeh hain Naye Bharat ki pehchaan. You can teach skills. May be, work on the temperament too.”
“Belief and confidence are two qualities that can’t be taught. These young Indian players are showcasing what the new India looks like. Never take a backyard step. Never say die attitude. It’s time the foreign coaches sitting in the dugouts also realise the same and give them a bigger role to play.”
Fans on Twitter also expressed their admiration for Shashank and Ashutosh’s performance, likening it to the heroics of Rinku Singh in a previous match. Despite the loss, their performance was seen as a positive sign for PBKS, with many calling for their retention in future seasons.
In conclusion, Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma’s spirited performance in the death overs was lauded by experts and fans alike, showcasing their potential as valuable assets for Punjab Kings in the IPL.
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