Harpreet Brar, playing his first match of IPL 2021 and third overall for the franchise, bagged 3 wickets for 19 runs from his 4 overs to help PBKS successfully defend 179 against RCB, who managed 145 for 8 from their 20 overs.
Harpreet Brar on his IPL 2021 Debut
Punjab Kings left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar’s performance took everybody by surprise on Friday as he singlehandedly won the contest for his team with the ball against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 26 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in Ahmedabad.
Harpreet Brar changed the game flow by dismissing the RCB’s star players likes of Virat Kohli, Maxwell and AB de Villiers in a span of less than 10 deliveries.
“My plan against AB de Villiers was to bowl a touch wider outside off-stump and out of his slot since the ball was gripping a bit. That’s why I brought in a slip and had covers to come up slightly.
“I wanted to bowl a dot but also managed to get a wicket. I am blessed,” Brar said after his match-winning spell of 3/19 in 4 overs,” Brar said.
What a game Harpreet Brar is having! 👏👏
He has scalped his third wicket now, dismissing AB de Villiers. 👍👍@PunjabKingsIPL are on a roll here in Ahmedabad. 👌👌 #VIVOIPL #PBKSvRCB
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/GezBF86RCb pic.twitter.com/EsLiUzBRlu
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 30, 2021
Brar also revealed his mindset when he was bowling to RCB skipper Virat Kohli before getting him out clean bowled for 35.
“My strategy was to hit the right length and not worry even if he hits me for a boundary. If the batsman charges down the track then you alter the length,” Brar said.
The 25-year-old from Moga also scored 25 not out off 17 balls during Punjab’s innings. PBKS had posted 179 for 5 on the board after being asked to bat first. Skipper KL Rahul top-scored with 91 not out while Chris Gayle contributed with 46 runs to the team’s total.
Brar was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round efforts.
“I just wanted to play bindaas (carefree) cricket come what may. I didn’t want to take too much stress and play my natural game,” Brar said.
Watch Harpreet Brar’s Post-match presentation
Punjab Kings will face Delhi Capitals to play their next league match on April 29 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
