Last Update: May 26, 2023, 13:20 IST
Akash Madhwal is the first player in IPL history to score a fifty in the playoffs. (screen grab)
Akash Madhwal was presented with the match ball for his five-wicket haul in the IPL 2023 Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants
Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal has etched his name in the IPL record books with a sensational fifty against Lucknow Supergiants in the Eliminator match.
The uncapped fast bowler became the first player in the history of the tournament to take a five-wicket haul in a playoff game.
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Madhwal’s sensational bowling took Mumbai to a massive 81-run win against LSG.
After an emphatic win in the Eliminator, Madhwal was rewarded with the prized ball after a rousing Mumbai dressing room ceremony.
Needless to say, Madhwal was all smiles after receiving the priceless memento.
In the video shared by MI on Twitter, Madhwal can be heard saying, “Aur aane wala hai.”
Madhwal joined Mumbai Indians last year as an injury replacement but did not get a chance to make his IPL debut in 2022.
The 29-year-old finally earned his first IPL call up during a game against Punjab Kings earlier this season. With Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah out of action due to fitness issues, Madhwal got a chance to excel with the ball and he happily welcomed the opportunity.
Having played seven matches so far, the bowler from Uttarakhand has picked up 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.77.
Madhwal produced his best performance in the IPL during the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday.
Madhwal took five wickets in 3.3 overs for just five runs.
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“I was just practicing and waiting for this opportunity. I did my engineering and played tennis-ball cricket as it was my passion. Engineers have a tendency to learn quickly! I just practice and we execute on that. I am proud of myself, but I will try to be better. Bumrah bhai has his place and I am just trying to play my part. Nicholas Pooran’s wicket was the best. Everyone in the house believes that I am working hard,” Madhwal said after the game.
In their next game, Mumbai Indians will take on defending IPL champions Gujarat Titans in the second qualifier tonight. The winner of the game will face MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final on Sunday.
