Pat Cummins was an unlikely star with the bat as he smashed a joint-fastest 14-ball IPL fifty to power Kolkata Knight Riders to a stunning victory over Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.
The Australian Test skipper joined Venkatesh Iyer with Kolkata on 101-5 while chasing 162 and tore into the Mumbai attack with his 56 off 15 balls as the two-time champions reached their target with four overs to spare in Pune.
The left-handed Venkatesh had the best seat in the house as Cummins, who played his first IPL match after completing his mandatory quarantine, hit six sixes including the winning hit over the fence in a 35-run Daniel Sams over.
Cummins’ effort equalled KL Rahul’s 50 off 14 balls for Kings XI Punjab – now Punjab Kings – in 2018 as Mumbai slipped to their third loss in as many matches.
Venkatesh hit an unbeaten 50 off 41 balls but his knock was completely overshadowed by the Cummins blitz as the pair put on 61 off 18 balls after Andre Russell returned to the pavilion.
Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma said the loss will be “hard to digest” after Suryakumar Yadav, with his unbeaten 36-ball 52, guided Mumbai to 161-4.
Here are some reactions to Cummins’ knock:
With inputs from AFP
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!