The 47th match of IPL 2022 happened last night between the Gujarat Titans and the Punjab Kings, where the Mohali-based franchise registered a win against the Titans. PBKS became only the second franchise after Sunrisers Hyderabad to register a win over the Ahmedabad-based franchise in the IPL. Although GT lost the match, youngster Sai Sudharsan stole the show with a fighting half-century.
The left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu scored his maiden fifty in the Indian Premier League and ensured the Gujarat Titans finished with 143 runs on the board despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Had Sai not played till the end, the Titans would have struggled to finish with a total of around 100 runs as well.
Speaking with the host broadcasters after the first innings, Sai was quoted as saying as follows:
“Played alright but it wasn’t the best. Played too many dot balls. It was gripping a little bit for the spinners and at the death, Arshdeep was nailing his yorkers, so it was difficult to get them away. Seems like a good total. 160-165 would be par, so we are a bit short.”
Sai Sudharsan showed street smartness during the last ball of the Gujarat Titans innings
On the last ball of the Gujarat Titans innings, Arshdeep Singh bowled a good delivery which missed the bat of Sai Sudharsan. Non-striker batter Alzarri Joseph rushed for a single. Initially, it looked like Sai had no interest in taking a single, but it proved to be a smart strategy that ensured they took a bye without any chance of a run-out.
A Twitter user pointed out the same as he mentioned that Sai saved his partner by holding one end until Joseph came near him. He then left his crease and completed the single.
1st IPL fifty for Sai Sudarshan. Class act, who showed he can handle this level. Great for TN Cricket. Very impressed with his game awareness off the last ball: didn't leave his crease till non striker made it for the bye, so that the keeper doesn't run him out. Proper smarts! 🔥
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) May 3, 2022