Team India won the 2nd ODI against Australia in a thrilling match by restricting them to 242 runs in a 251 run chase.
The real thrill throughout the match happened in the final over when Australia needed 11 runs off 6 deliveries and Indian pacer Vijay Shankar was called by the Skipper.
This was an important moment as India was only two wickets away from victory and Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Lyon were present on the crease.
Vijay Shankar, however, bowled a magical spell where he sent Stoinis back to the pavilion. Shankar bowled a seam-up delivery and Stoinis missed it and the ball hit him on the back leg.
After Stoinis was out, Adam Zampa came to the crease and quickly took two runs of the very first delivery he faced. Now the Aussies needed 9 runs off 4 deliveries.
In the third delivery, Vijay Shankar threw a straight yorker and the ball crashed into the middle stump and Zampa was bowled out.
During the post-match press conference, Shankar recalled his incredible spell.
“I’ve said previously also that I never think about the selection or World Cup thing because it’s a long way off from now. Every game is very important. I just look to give my best and win a game for the team,” said the Tamil Nadu all-rounder.
“I was just ready for the challenge because I knew I had to bowl that one over. And I was just telling (myself) after the 43rd-44th over, I am going to bowl anytime. Maybe the last over and I should be ready to defend a total of 10 runs or 15 runs. So, I was mentally prepared for that.”
Also read:
Chief Selector MSK Prasad lavishes praise on “disciplined” Hanuma Vihari