Small role, Big impact: Least balls involved in to win POTM
The Indian Premier League is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues in the world. The tournament has featured some of the most incredible matches ever as players have turned matches on its head with their stupendous performances. There have been several occasions in IPL where players have emerged as heroes and changed the course of the game within a space of few deliveries. On that note, let’s take a look at players who won Player of the Matches for their involvement in the game for the least number of balls:
3. James Faulkner, Kieron Pollard and Mark Boucher (13 balls)
Mark Boucher played an unbeaten knock of 25 off 13 balls during Match 19 of IPL 2009 to help RCB chase down the target of 140 in 19.5 overs.
Kieron Pollard scored 15* off 7 to help MI chase down the target of 136 in 19 overs against Punjab Kings during Match 41 of IPL 2021. Earlier he also bowled a brilliant spell of 2/8 in 1 over. He picked up the big wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle.
James Faulkner picked up 3/11 in his two overs against KKR during Match 19 in IPL 2014. The left-arm seamer picked up wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Uthappa and Vinay Kumar. Faulkner also bowled the Super Over during the game and picked up two wickets, giving away 11 runs. RR levelled the scores and won the game on boundary count and the Australian all-rounder was awarded Player of the Match.
2. Nuwan Kulasekara (12 balls)
The Sri Lankan seamer bowled a brilliant spell of 2/10 in his two overs against Pune Warriors India during Match 24 of IPL 2012. Courtesy of his spell, Chennai Super Kings restricted Pune to 151/7 defending a score of 164/5. Kulasekara also took two catches during the game and was awarded Player of the Match.
1. Glenn Philips (7 balls)
Chasing a target of 215, Philips played a blistering knock of 25 off 7 balls to bring SRH side back into the game against Rajasthan Royals during Match 52 of the ongoing season. With 41 needed from 12 balls, Philips smacked 22 runs in the first four balls of the 19th over to bring the equation down to 17 needed off the last six. SRH went on to win the game on the last ball as Sandeep Sharma got Abdul Samad out on a no-ball and the latter smacked a six on the free hit to take his side home. Philips won the Player of the Match for his 7-ball 25-run knock.
