Powerplay overs of an IPL match are the most exciting ones of any innings. The reason behind it is that the fielding team is allowed to keep only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Because of the fielding restrictions, the batters can destroy the bowlers and score boundaries quickly in the first six overs.
While the powerplay overs provide an opportunity to the batting team to get off to a great start, it is not every batter’s cup of tea to score big in the first six overs. Many fans have noted that even some of the top batters of the world end up playing in maiden overs even when there are just two fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
On the other side, there are some players who did not even come out to open the innings but ended up scoring a half-century in the first six overs of the innings itself. In this listicle now, we will look at the three such players.
3. Ajinkya Rahane – 53 vs. Mumbai Indians in powerplay
Ajinkya Rahane stunned the cricket universe with a 19-ball half-century on his Chennai Super Kings debut last night. Rahane came out to bat at number three after Devon Conway lost his wicket on the fourth ball. He showed great intent and ended up scoring 53 runs by the end of the sixth over.
2. Moeen Ali – 59 vs. Rajasthan Royals in powerplay
During the IPL game between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals last year in Mumbai, CSK batter Moeen Ali launched an all-out assault on RR and scored 59 runs in the first six overs. Even Ali had come out to bat at number three.
1. Suresh Raina – 87 vs. Punjab Kings
Highest Score in Powerplay by Non-opener
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) April 8, 2023
87 – Suresh Raina vs PBKS
59 – Moeen Ali vs RR
53 – Ajinkya Rahane vs MI*
All Top 3 by CSK Players!#IPL2023
The record for the most runs scored by a non-opener in the first six overs belongs to Suresh Raina. He came out to bat at number three in the 2014 playoffs against Punjab Kings and scored 87 runs off just 25 balls.
