This year’s IPL has been one of the most entertaining in history and the past week’s action was no different.
Matches went down to the wire once again as Sunrisers Hyderabad established themselves as the leaders of the pack with 14 points.
Here, we take a look at the best of the bygone week in the IPL.
BEST INNINGS – KL RAHUL
Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals
KL Rahul has been in stunning form throughout the IPL this year but his match-winning innings of 84 (54) against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday stands out for its sheer context.
Chasing a modest 153 to win, Kings XI Punjab were put under massive pressure by a desperate Royal who reduced the hosts to 87-4. Rahul had started his innings in explosive fashion but watching his partners depart one by one, he toned down his aggression to stabilize the innings. Once victory seemed near, he tore into the Royals’ bowlers once again with some big and clean hitting to take his side to a six-wicket win.
Very impressive run chase by Kings 11 Punjab. KL Rahul was 48 of 43 and just like what top batsmen do,was able to accelerate quickly and scored 36 of his next 11. The running between the wickets,the twos was a standout feature as well #KXIPvRR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 6, 2018
BEST BOWLING – RASHID KHAN
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils
Although Afghan teenager Mujeeb ur Rahman’s 3-27 against Rajasthan on Sunday was equally impressive, his compatriot Rashid Khan‘s spell of 2-23 in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win over Delhi edges it due to the impact.
Delhi had raced away to nearly 100 runs in the first 10 overs before the Afghanistan leg-spin prodigy turned the game on its head. He dismissed the well-set Prithvi Shaw to spark Hyderabad’s comeback. Bowling as economically as ever, Rashid effected a run-out off his own bowling in his final over before dismissing the dangerous Rishab Pant. Delhi only managed to score 163 in the end as Sunrisers chased down the total with a ball to spare.
Rashid Khan's comeback after being clobbered in two successive matches has been stellar. He's not only got great skills but big heart too
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 5, 2018
BEST CATCH – MAYANK AGARWAL/MANOJ TIWARY
Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals
The trend of mind-boggling catches in the IPL continued with Mayank Agarwal’s stunning effort against the Royals on Sunday to dismiss Ben Stokes. The English all-rounder smashed Mujeeb towards long-off and the ball looked destined to go over the ropes for a six before Mayank latched on to it just on the edge. The fielder’s momentum was about to carry him beyond the boundary but he showed amazing presence of mind to lob the ball towards Manoj Tiwary who had run in from long-on.
Awesome catch by MAYANK AGARWAL & MANOJ TIWARY pic.twitter.com/slY9PRI7Rd
— Ravi varma (@Ravivar97883575) May 6, 2018
SURPRISE – PRITHVI SHAW (DELHI DAREDEVILS)
While big things have always been expected from India’s U19 World Cup winning skipper Prithvi Shaw, the way he has performed in his maiden IPL has been mighty impressive. The 18-year-old has been completely unfazed batting against the best international pros in the business and has had a remarkable week individually. He struck a 25-ball 47 against the Royals before smashing a belligerent 36-ball 65, taking on the highly touted bowling unit of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Prithvi Shaw batting like this at 18 imagine him at 20... top talent for India... 👌🏽
— Daine Klate (@Klatey7) May 2, 2018