Rajasthan Royals (RR) leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took the 21st hat-trick in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL). In his last over, Chahal derailed Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) run chase with four wickets in an over after getting hit for 38 runs in his first three overs.
Chahal became the fifth bowler after Ajit Chandila, Pravin Tambe, Shane Watson and Shreyas Gopal to take a hat-trick for Royals. Chahal’s 5/40 is the most expensive five-wicket haul in the history of IPL. The previous record belonged to Punjab Kings' (PBKS) Arshdeep Singh, who conceded 32 runs against Royals last season to take a fifer.
Chahal’s last over magic
Chahal turned the match upside down with the wicket of KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer. Chahal bowled it full and Iyer was beaten in the air and got trapped in front of the stumps. He opted for DRS but the decision was not overturned. His wicket was crucial as he scored 85 runs from 51 deliveries and was carrying the run chase on his back right from the start.
KKR team management sent Shivam Mavi ahead of Pat Cummins against the spinner. However, the ploy did not work as he hit it straight to the long-on fielder. On the last ball of the over, Cummins had to come to bat and edged one to the keeper in an attempt to drive.
Earlier in the over, he got the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer. The left-handed batter came down the track but was stumped.
Before the last over, he also dismissed Nitish Rana in the 13th over. He went for 17 runs in his first over as half-centurion Aaron Finch and Shreyas took him on.
