Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Wednesday went past Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga to become the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The veteran spinner is the only Indian bowler to have taken 170+ wickets in the cash-rich league. He achieved this feat during his team’s match against Punjab Kings in Guwahati. Chahal was punished in the match. After a match-winning 4/17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was a bad day at work for the spinner. While he got the wicket of Jitesh Sharma by scoring 27 runs in 16 balls, he was dismissed for 50 runs in his quota of four overs and at an economy rate of 12.50.
He was the most expensive bowler from his side today.
Chahal, who played for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before Rajasthan Royals, has taken 171 wickets in 133 matches at an average of 21.58 with an economy rate of 7.62. His best bowling figures in the league are 5/40.
Malinga, who represented Mumbai Indians (MI) for his entire IPL career from 2009-19, has taken 170 wickets in 122 matches at an average of 19.79 and an economy rate of 7.14. His best bowling figures are 5/13.
Dwayne Bravo is the highest wicket taker in the history of the league. The Chennai Super Kings and West Indies all-rounder has taken a total of 183 wickets in 161 matches at an average of 23.82 and an economy rate of 8.38. His best bowling figures in the league are 4/22. Behind Bravo, Chahal and Malinga are two other notable players, Amit Mishra (166 wickets) and Ravichandran Ashwin (159).
Coming into the match, Punjab Kings posted 197/4 after being put into bat by RR. An explosive partnership of 90 runs between Prabhsimran Singh (60 runs in 34 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes) and captain Shikhar Dhawan was very helpful for Punjab. Jitesh Sharma (27 from 16 balls, two fours and a six) also shared a 33-ball 66 with Dhawan, who remained unbeaten on 86 off 56 balls with nine fours and three sixes.
Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers with 2/29 from his four overs. Ravichandran Ashwin and Chahal also got one wicket each.
At present, RR’s innings continues.
Brief Scores: PBKS: 197/4 (Shikhar Dhawan 86*, Prabhsimran Singh 60, Jason Holder 2/29) vs RR.
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