Shashank

1. Mini-auction for the 2024 IPL in Dubai faced confusion over Shashank Singh’s selection.
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS) encountered an identity mix-up with two players named Shashank Singh.
3. The incident was clarified later, putting an end to the confusion.

Sports, April 05: In the mini-auction for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) held in Dubai five months ago, there was a moment of confusion surrounding the selection of Shashank Singh.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) encountered a case of mistaken identity during the accelerated phase of the auction, with two players sharing the same name.

Initially eager to offload Shashank from their list, the franchise later clarified the situation through a tweet, putting an end to the rumors.

On Thursday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PBKS’ acquisition proved invaluable as Shashank smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 29 balls, guiding the visitors to a historic chase of 200 against Gujarat Titans.

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The Titans posted a competitive total of 199 for 4, propelled by a stellar knock of 89 from their skipper Shubman Gill, along with quickfire contributions of 23 off 8 balls from Rahul Tewatia and 33 off 19 balls from Sai Sudharsan.

Despite a formidable bowling line-up, Gujarat fancied their chances of defending the total.

However, steady performances from Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh kept the required run rate manageable.

Noor Ahmad turned the game with a brilliant spell, claiming two crucial wickets. PBKS encountered some hiccups, with players like Sam Curran and Sikandar Raza struggling to find form. Jitesh Sharma departed quickly after hitting just two sixes off Rashid Khan.

However, Ashutosh Sharma played a vital role with his aggressive 31 off 17 balls, providing crucial support to Shashank, who reached his maiden IPL fifty with six boundaries and four sixes.

With seven runs needed off six balls, PBKS seemed poised for victory after a flurry of runs in the previous overs. But Darshan Nalkande’s dismissal of impact player Ashutosh Sharma raised tensions. Priety Zinta, PBKS co-owner, looked anxious in the stands as the match reached its climax.

Shashank faced the penultimate ball, needing just one run for victory. Despite GT’s review for LBW, the ball missed the leg stump, securing PBKS’ win.

This victory marked PBKS’ second win in four matches of IPL 2024 and set a new record for the most successful chases of 200-plus targets in IPL history, achieving the feat for the sixth time.

Surpassing Mumbai Indians, PBKS claimed the record and secured the second-highest chase against the Titans, following Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2023 heroics.