Trent Boult, the star fast bowler for Rajasthan Royals (RR), expressed a mix of relief and satisfaction after his team’s narrow three-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in a tense Indian Premier League encounter on Saturday.
Collective effort from Rajasthan Royals seal win
Rajasthan Royals’ disciplined bowling attack, coupled with a late blitz from Shimron Hetmyer (27* off 10 balls), secured a dramatic win in the last over. Hetmyer’s heroics overshadowed a commendable effort from the Punjab Kings bowlers, who had restricted Rajasthan to chase a modest target of 148.
Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for the Royals with 39 runs as Keshav Maharaj finished with impressive figures of 2/23 in four overs.
Trent Boult lauds bowling performance
Trent Boult, speaking at the post-match press conference, acknowledged the quality of the bowling performance, which restricted Punjab Kings to a below-par score. He admitted that the target was slightly closer than they’d have liked, but expressed confidence in his team’s batting prowess.
“A very good game. Nice to have couple of points. Probably a bit closer than we wanted at the end. With`the quality of players on our side we were confident of chasing that target always. Couple of changes with the few injuries, so that’s why a different balanced side. We came and we got what we wanted, so a great game for us.”
“To restrict Punjab Kings under 150 as a bowling unit was a big plus. Couple of injuries forced a slightly change in batting kine-up than what we are used to. It went deeper than what we thought. But it gives guys opportunity to put their hand up.”
Adapting to Injuries and New Venue
The Rajasthan Royals were forced to adjust their batting lineup due to injuries. Trent Boult acknowledged this but highlighted the importance of such situations in providing opportunities for other players to shine.
Mullanpur Pitch Offers Challenge
Trent Boult offered his first impressions of the Mullanpur stadium, praising the enthusiastic crowd and the pitch itself. He described it as a “typical pace wicket” but noted the large boundaries that restricted the number of sixes.
“My first time in the stadium. A beautiful stadium, great crowd. I thought it was a good wicket, typical to this part of the country. A general pace wicket but its a big stadium that’s why there werent many boundaries hit. Sometimes low scores can also make an interesting game.”
Shimron Hetmyer heroics a Relief for Trent Boult
In a surprising revelation, Boult confessed to being a nervous batsman himself! He jokingly admitted that his greatest fear in the tournament is “potentially hitting one off one ball.” This lighthearted remark adds another dimension to Boult’s character, and his relief must have been immense after Hetmyer’s late onslaught spared him a batting cameo.
“I am a very anxious batter. Am not in this tournament to offer much with the willow. But I will put this on record that its my greatest fear to potentially hit one off one ball. So I am very glad that didn’t happen tonight.”
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Well-Deserved Win for Rajasthan Royals over Punjab Kings
The win over Punjab Kings was a significant one for the Royals, especially considering the injuries and slight batting hiccups. Boult’s performance with the ball, coupled with Hetmyer’s late heroics, ensured a crucial victory that keeps them firmly in the race for the IPL playoffs.
