Sunday, May 18, 2020, will go down as one of the most incredible days in Indian Premier League history, and that’s saying something.
678 runs resulting in three super overs in just two games, as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab put on a show for fans across the world watching from home.
No fans are allowed into any IPL host venues due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The first match of the day saw Sunrisers and the Knight Riders tie on 163 after 40 overs, with a super over set to decide the result.
New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson produced an excellent showing of pressure bowling by limiting Hydrabad to only two, which the Knight Riders caught in four balls, to win a gripping game.
Only a few hours later, the tension, drama and breathlessness of the IPL was epitomised as Mumbai Indians faced Kings XI Punjab.
With both teams posting 176 in their 20 respective overs, a second super over of the day was on its way.
Jasprit Bumrah limited Kings XI to just 5/2 off their six balls, but India teammate Mohammad Shami faired just as well.
Mumbai needed two off the final ball, but excellent fielding from their opposition limited them to one, as Quinton de Kock was run out by a matter of milimetres, despite his desperate dive.
This meant a second super over of the match, and third of the day.
With both sides unable to field any of the original players involved in batting or bowling in the first super over, England and Kings XI seamer Chris Jordan let 11 runs slip.
With 12 runs needed to win, Chris Gayle hammered Trent Boult for six, all-but wrapping up the win. Mayank Argawal finished off the remaining runs with a couple of boundaries, securing the two points for Punjab.
86 remarkable overs of T20 cricket had finally ended, on a day that will go down in IPL history.
