Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fast bowler Umran Malik is known for racking up some good pace with the ball. On Monday, the youngster from Jammu and Kashmir bowled a vicious bouncer to Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya that hit on the helmet.
Malik, who was retained by Hyderabad, has been bowling express fast since the start of IPL 2022. He has impressed one and all, including former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who feels Umran Malik should be groomed for the future.
Asked to bat first, Gujarat lost Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan early. In walked Hardik Pandya at No.4 and struck a blazing boundary to announce his arrival. However, the 28-year-old all-rounder was taken aback by a minacious bouncer from Umran Malik.
The 140kmph delivery hit straight onto Hardik’s grill, who tried to play a pool shot but was beaten for pace. Luckily, the Gujarat skipper escaped any serious danger and was ready to face the next ball. However, Hardik Pandya bounced and struck two back-to-back boundaries off the next two balls to establish his authority in the middle.
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Hardik Pandya eventually managed 50* off 42 balls to propel Gujarat Titans to 162 runs. However, it was not enough to continue their winning streak. Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma gave Hyderabad a perfect start before Nicholas Pooran sealed the tie with a small cameo.
“I can’t let a young gun get away with something right?” – Hardik Pandya on his battle with Umran Malik
Young Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Umran Malik racked up some good pace after he came into the attack just after the powerplays. Hardik Pandya was given a major wake-up call after the speedster’s potent bouncer hit him flush on the helmet. Wavering away treatment, the all-rounder responded by dispatching the next two deliveries for boundaries.
Speaking on the duel at the post-match presentation ceremony, Pandya said, “With all due respect I can’t let a young gun get away with something right? The IPL is tough so it kind of woke me up and it felt nice after that.”
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will hope to regroup and bounce back in the next game.
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