In a thrilling match between the Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, the first over proved to be an eventful one. The visitors, Rajasthan Royals, won the toss and decided to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Trent Boult, the left-arm pacer for Rajasthan Royals brought the first over of the game. He was bowling to Wriddhiman Saha, the Gujarat Titans opener when chaos erupted on the field.
Sahaâs top edge sends the ball flying
It was the third ball of the over and Trent Boult delivered a length ball that swung in on middle and leg, putting Wriddhiman Saha, the batsman, in a bit of a spot. Saha, in an attempt to work the ball towards the leg side, closed his bat face too early, resulting in a fat leading edge that went soaring up in the air. Saha attempted to whip the fullish length ball over square leg but was through the shot a touch early and ended up skying the ball straight up over the pitch. What followed was a remarkable display of fielding by the Rajasthan Royals.
The ball went so high up that it seemed to disappear into the sky, leaving the fielders and the spectators below craning their necks to follow its trajectory. The fielders on the ground scampered around, trying to get into position to make the catch as the ball seemed to hang in the air forever.
Chaos among fielders
Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper, charged forward from behind the stumps, while Shimron Hetmyer charged in from the square leg. Dhruv Jurel also charged in from the point, as all three fielders went for the catch. In the ensuing collision, Samson got his gloves to the ball but collided with Hetmyer, and the ball popped out of his gloves up into the air.
However, Boult, who was positioned a few yards behind the collision, was alert to the situation and ready for a possible rebound. He held on to the carom that popped toward him while reaching forward at knee height, completing an improbable caught and bowled.
The crowd erupted in excitement as the Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning fielding effort to dismiss Wriddhiman Saha. Boult’s tremendous awareness and quick thinking saved the day for his team, reducing Gujarat Titansâ score to 5 for 1 in just 0.3 overs
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