• Rohit Sharma adjusted the field in the last over against Punjab Kings after discussion with skipper Hardik Pandya.

  • The encounter between PBKS and Mumbai Indians was Rohit's 250th IPL game.

WATCH: Akash Madhwal ignores Hardik Pandya and seeks Rohit Sharma’s advice before stealing victory for MI
Rohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal, Hardik Pandya

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In the 33rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a 9-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS). Despite MI appearing to have complete control over the match at one point, the momentum shifted dramatically following pivotal innings from Ashutosh Sharma (61 off 28) and Shashank Singh (41 off 25).

PBKS, initially struggling at 77 for 6, rallied to a position where they required just 12 runs to win in the final over. Under mounting pressure, MI’s new captain, Hardik Pandya, faced challenges in communicating with the bowler and adjusting the field placements. In this crucial moment, Rohit Sharma took charge and guided his team to victory.

Rohit Sharma leads MI in the last over

When Kagiso Rabada and Harshal Patel were at the crease with PBKS at 181 for 9, Pandya opted for Akash Madhwal to bowl the final over. However, Akash seemed uncertain about the field setup and engaged in a lengthy discussion with Pandya. At this moment, Rohit, with his strategic brilliance, intervened in the conversation and expressed his dissatisfaction with the field placements. The former MI captain’s input prompted Madhwal to seek his suggestions, and later, the field was set up according to Rohit’s plan.

After consulting with Rohit and Hardik, Madhwal began the last over with a wide outside the off stump, signalling a clear plan to deny Rabada any scoring opportunities. The next delivery, another wide yorker, confirmed this strategy. Rabada attempted a drive towards covers, aiming for a second run to retain strike, but Mohammad Nabi’s exceptional fielding effort from the boundary resulted in a swift throw to wicketkeeper-keeper Ishan Kishan, catching Rabada short of his crease. With this, MI sealed the game with nine runs.

Here is the video:

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Punjab’s misfortune in the last overs

PBKS suffered their third consecutive defeat in nail-biting finishes, all of which slipped away in the final over. Prior to the MI clash, they narrowly fell short against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a slim margin of 2 runs, followed by a tense encounter where Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured victory against them with just one ball remaining. Despite these setbacks, PBKS showcased commendable performances that kept the spectators thoroughly engaged.

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About the Author:
SAMARTH SINGH
Samarth is a dedicated sports writer and cricket aficionado with a deep passion for the game. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his coverage of cricket. His journey into sports journalism has been fueled by a lifelong love for both literature and the sport, blending his appreciation for storytelling with the excitement of cricketing action. From the pages of classic novels to the thrilling matches on the cricket field, Samarth finds inspiration in the narratives that both worlds offer. His childhood was punctuated by moments of emulating cricketing heroes, with Pat Cummins emerging as his ultimate favorite player, shaping his perspective on the game and informing his analysis. Through his writing, Samarth aims to capture the essence of cricket's drama, skill, and emotion, delivering compelling narratives that resonate with fans worldwide. You can connect with him at samarth@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.