Pat Cummins goes nuts with the bat in record-equalling IPL innings for Kolkata Knight Riders

Tom Naghten

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Pat Cummins goes nuts with the bat in record-equalling IPL innings for Kolkata Knight Riders image

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has gone ballistic with the bat in the Indian Premier League, taking countryman Daniel Sams for 35 off an over to help Kolkata Knight Riders to a five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians.

Cummins hit the equal-fastest half-century (14 balls) in IPL history as the Knight Riders got home, chasing down the target of 162 with four overs to spare.

The 28-year-old Aussie had earlier been expensive with the ball, but did pick up a couple of wickets to finish with figures of 2/49 from his four overs as Mumbai posted a score of 4/161 after they were sent in by Kolkata in Pune.

Batting at number seven, the dismissal of Andre Russell brought Cummins to the crease with the score at 5/101 in the 14th over. 18 balls later, the match was over.

Cummins’ innings looked like this:

1 6 4 . . 6 4 1 6 4 6 6 2 4 6

The Aussie captain put on a leg-side hitting masterclass, clearing the boundary from mid-on to fine leg to get his side over the line and equal KL Rahul’s record of a 14-ball fifty.

Take a look at the highlights here.

After the match, Cummins said the key was approaching his innings with a clear intent.

“That was cool. Great to get a win. I wasn’t expecting that when I was walking out to bat so very happy,” Cummins said. 

“I thought if we got a couple fours or sixes, we’d get ahead of the run rate and I always feel like I’m batting better when I’m looking to score.

“If I try and think about it too much, I normally don’t bat as well, so I just went out there with a clear mind and tried to clear the rope.”

KKR currently sit on top of the IPL points table, although they are the only team to have played four matches.

Cummins and his teammates next face Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Delhi will be welcoming Australian opener David Warner to the team for his first appearance of the tournament.

 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.