On This Day in 2020: IPL Witnessed The First-Ever Double Super Over In History

ON THIS DAY IN 2020: The Indian Premier League has witnessed some mind-boggling comebacks and a plethora of exciting games since its induction in 2020. From some dominant performances to nail-biting thrillers, the Indian franchise cricket league has seen it all. However, on October 18 2020, sports entertainment witnessed one of the most bizarre yet invigorating evenings.

While Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad played a super-over the same afternoon, it was the evening match that observed the engraving of a unique record. Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) and Mumbai Indians were inseparable on the night, requiring two super overs to declare a victor between the two.

The match was played at the Dubai International Stadium and it was the first time in history that two Super Overs were played in a single game.

On the historic day, Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to bat first. Mumbai conceded early wickets in the game leading to the departures of Rohit at nine runs and Suryakumar Yadav at a duck. South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock stabilised the innings for his side, scoring a half-century in the game.

Towards the end of the innings, Kieron Pollard smashed four sixes bringing his tally to 34 runs in 12 balls. His heroics helped Mumbai put a competitive total of 176 runs on the board while losing six wickets.

Punjab’s Mohammed Shami proved to be the most impactful bowler of the first innings as he scalped two wickets while giving away only 30 runs in his four-over spell.

Arshdeep Singh was also able to pluck two Mumbai batters but was the most expensive bowler for Punjab with 35 runs in three overs.

KL Rahul spearheaded Punjab’s chase attempt in the second half of the game. He smashed an incredible 77 runs in 51 balls, belting seven boundaries and three sixes. The ace batter remained alive till the 18th over of the innings, before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.

The Mumbai bowler had already scalped the wickets of Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran earlier. Towards the end of the innings, Deepak Hooda hit an unbeaten 23 runs in 16 balls to help his side draw the game.

In the first Super Over, Mumbai were bowling first as KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran assumed the batting duties for Punjab. Bumrah dismissed both players in the over halting them to a mere total of five runs.

Everything rested upon Mohammad Shami’s shoulders as he tried to defend his team’s total against Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock. He produced a masterful performance as he curbed Mumbai for five runs leading to a second Super Over. This time it was Mumbai to start who smashed 11 runs in their over.

A vintage Chris Gayle showed up for Punjab in their chase as he smashed a six and two boundaries to finish the game in a win for the Kings.