Praful Hinge's Triple-Strike in Opening Over Stuns Opposition, Rewrites IPL Record Books
Never before had the IPL witnessed a three-wicket opening over
Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Praful Hinge delivered an unforgettable performance on Monday, making a dream IPL debut that cemented his name in the tournament's record books. The lanky pacer claimed spectacular figures of 4-34 and achieved a milestone never before seen in the league, becoming the first bowler in IPL history to grab three wickets in the very first over of an innings.
Playing in only his second Twenty20 match at the senior level, Hinge was handed the daunting task of opening the bowling against a menacing Rajasthan top order. He instantly shattered the opposition's momentum, dismissing opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi with an edge behind off his very first delivery. He followed that up by removing Dhruv Jurel, who dragged the ball onto his stumps, and then claimed Lhuan-dre Pretorius via a flick to deep fine leg.
The debutant’s onslaught didn't stop there. He returned in the third over to claim the crucial wicket of Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag, leaving the opposition's top order entirely devastated.
Despite the fierce spell, Parag was quick to praise the young bowler's composure. "They bowled beautifully," Parag said of the unheralded debutants. "The pressure they had, with the home crowd chanting their name, the way they bowled, it was beautiful.”
For Hinge, the historic spell was the realization of a personal goal.
“I manifested this,” Hinge said after receiving the Player of the Match award. “I had written this somewhere that I will take four-five wickets on my debut. I thought of dominating the powerplay."
Reflecting on his historic opening over, the young pacer pinpointed his most satisfying moment: "(My favorite wicket was) Suryavanshi. I told people that I would bowl a bouncer to him and get him out. I just wanted to get him out.”
