IPL 2021: Sandeep Sharma plucks a brilliant reflex catch off his own bowling to dismiss Nicholas Pooran

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kingd (PBKS), the two struggling teams in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season locked horns on Saturday. With Sharjah hosting the game, many felt that it would be a high-scoring encounter. However, the pitch turned out to be very slow and the run-scoring was extremely tough especially after the powerplay overs.

And the SRH bowlers took full advantage of the conditions on offer. Each of their bowlers stood up to the task. While Jason Holder did well to send back the PBKS openers early in the innings, Sandeep Sharma snaffled the crucial scalp of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran.

It was a brilliant effort from Sandeep off his own bowling in the 12th over. The over began with a couple of singles and then Pooran thumped him for a six off the third ball. PBKS might have hoped for some momentum from here on in the innings. However, off the very next ball, Sandeep redeemed himself with a superb reflex catch.

The bowler delivered a knuckle ball and also varied his pace which landed on a length and Pooran was in the mood to smack one more, this time down the ground. However, he went through his loft early and could only hit it back to the bowler. Sandeep Sharma was in the middle of his follow through and he managed to get a hand on the ball eventually completing the catch off the second attempt.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/WMGtizo5xI

— Simran (@CowCorner9) September 25, 2021

SRH and PBKS in a must-win situation

Both SRH and PBKS are not in a good position in the ongoing IPL season. While the Orange Army has lost seven out of eight matches so far, the KL Rahul-led side has lost six out of nine games. Both the sides are in a must-win situation and a loss at any point from here on in the tournament will end their campaign for this season. For now, they are alive and will take a lot of efforts for them to stay in the hunt for the playoffs.