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‘Would Have Taken A Single If…’ Shimron Hetmyer After Match-Winning Blitz Vs PBKS

Shimron Hetmyer in action against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 (AP)Shimron Hetmyer in action against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 (AP)

Shimron Hetmyer blazed Rajasthan Royals to a remarkable victory over Punjab Kings in match number 27 of the IPL 2024 season. Batting at number six in a tense run-chase, the dashing Caribbean batter smacked 27 unbeaten runs off just 10 deliveries, and steered Rajasthan Royals past the finishing line with a ball to spare.

Fittingly adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts, Shimron Hetmyer reflected on his thought process from the finishing stages of the game, and also recalled his discussion with tailender Trent Boult in the final over.


Shimron Hetmyer recalls discussion with Trent Boult

Batting at number six, Shimron Hetmyer arrived at the crease following the dismissal of Riyan Parag at 113-4. With 35 more required from the remaining 20 deliveries, the 27-year-old launched three sixes and a boundary in his 10-ball 27* to steer Rajasthan Royals home in a final-over thriller.

While collecting his ‘Player of the Match’ award during the post-match presentation ceremony, Shimron Hetmyer claimed that he puts in the hard yards at the nets for hitting sixes and expressed his excitement for pulling off a spectacular run-chase for the franchise. He said:

“I practice hard. I try to back myself for batting in these situations in the nets. I try as much as possible in the nets. I try my best to hit sixes. Sometimes, it comes off; sometimes, you can't. Happy to pull off a victory for my team tonight.”

Shimron Hetmyer also admitted that pressure crept up on him after he failed to score off the first two deliveries of the final Arshdeep Singh over, at a time when Rajasthan Royals were 10 runs away from their target. However, the West Indies batter revealed that a conversation with non-striker Trent Boult eased him up during the tense stages of the game.

“After a couple of balls, the pressure was creeping on me, but I was as clear as possible about my job. After missing a couple of deliveries first up in the final over, Boult came to me and said you have got this, mate,” he added.

Hetmyer further claimed that he would have risked having Boult on strike if a single was on offer, but was glad to receive a full-toss to bring up the winning runs. He concluded:

“I would have taken a single if it was there on offer with two needed off two. We (Boult and me) spoke about it. Single or double whatever was offered at that stage, we were going for it. We were looking to get it tied. A full toss came my way, and I was like, backed myself and went for the six.”

Shimron Hetmyer along with the rest of his Rajasthan Royals teammates will now face the KKR franchise in match number 31 of the IPL 2024 season on April 16.

The much-awaited contest will be staged at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.