Top 5 Performances By Pat Cummins In IPL History
Pat Cummins in KKR [x.com]
Australia all-rounder Pat Cummins emerged onto the Indian Premier League (IPL) stage in 2014, and since then, he has been a towering force in the fast bowling department. Cummins, with his express pace, impeccable line and length, and an ability to deliver under pressure, has etched his name among the elite in the T20 extravaganza. His journey in the IPL has been marked by stellar performances that not only showcase his skills with the ball but also his resilience and dynamism with the bat.
Renowned for his aggressive style of play, Cummins' presence adds a distinct edge to any team he represents in the IPL. His debut season marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, and over the years, Cummins has become a vital asset for various franchises, earning accolades for his consistent match-winning efforts.
The IPL 2024 auction witnessed a significant turn of events as Cummins, after opting out of the 2023 season due to international commitments, found himself in the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering sum of Rs 20.50 crore.
In this article, we delve into the top 5 IPL performances by Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, celebrating his match-winning spells, impactful batting displays, and steady commitment to excellence on the IPL stage.
4-34 vs RR, 2020
Pat Cummins against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020 [x.com]
In a must-win encounter against Rajasthan Royals, Cummins rose to the occasion, delivering his best IPL figures of 4-34. Defending a substantial total of 191 runs, Cummins dismantled the Royals' top order within the power play, accounting for Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, and Riyan Parag. His lethal spell, which earned him the Man of the Match award, propelled KKR to a 60-run victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
3-17 vs DC, 2020
Pat Cummins against Delhi Capitals [Twitter.com]
During the 2020 season in Abu Dhabi, Cummins delivered a masterclass in economical and impactful bowling. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had set a challenging target of 194 runs, and Cummins set the tone by dismissing Ajinkya Rahane with the very first ball of the innings. His relentless pace troubled the Delhi Capitals' top order, claiming the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Kagiso Rabada. Although Varun Chakaravarthy stole the limelight with a fifer, Cummins' crucial contributions ensured a convincing 59-run win for KKR.
3-24 vs CSK, 2021
In the 2021 IPL season, Cummins showcased his adaptability and class against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. Bowling on a slow and turning surface, he extracted bounce and movement to dismiss crucial batsmen, including Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja. Cummins' exceptional spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 24, played a pivotal role in KKR securing a vital victory in the tough conditions.
66* vs CSK, 2021
Pat Cummins against CSK in 2021 [x.com]
While Cummins' remarkable 66* off 34 balls against Chennai Super Kings in 2021 couldn't secure a win for KKR, it certainly won hearts. Coming in after Andre Russell's explosive innings, Cummins shifted gears when the chase seemed impossible. His six maximums and four boundaries took KKR tantalizingly close to the 220-run target. Despite falling short, Cummins' all-round brilliance left an indelible mark on the match.
53* vs Mumbai, 2020
Pat Cummins against MI [x.com]
In a resilient display against Mumbai Indians, Cummins rescued KKR from a top-order collapse with his first-ever IPL fifty. His unbeaten 53* off 36 balls, partnered with skipper Eoin Morgan's 39*, helped KKR reach a modest total of 148-5. While the match ended in defeat, Cummins' gritty batting performance stood out as a silver lining against the dominating Mumbai Indians.
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