Royal London One-Day Cup: Cheteshwar Pujara hammers 22 runs in one over to set up his century

Renowned as a Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara was hardly seen playing unorthodox shots until the 12th of August, Friday. Things changed when the right-hander smacked 22 in an over against Warwickshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

Leading his side, Cheteshwar Pujara scored a brilliant hundred and finished on 107 from 79 deliveries. However, it was the 45th over that the netizens were talking about. Liam Norwell, in his over, went for 22 runs as the 34-year-old hit three fours, a six and a couple of two-s. Despite his brilliant performance in the match, Pujara and Sussex failed to win the match as they fell four runs short.

The veteran is known for being a wall, but this side of his was quite a new one. He smashed the ball in every direction and nearly pulled off a magnificent win. Netizens enjoyed this rare sight of Pujara on Twitter, and some even asked India to promote him as the number three batter in white-ball cricket.

Glimpses of Cheteshwar Pujara smashing the ball all-around

Warwickshire registered their second win in the Royal London One-Day Cup 

Batting first, Will Rhodes’ side put up 310 on board after 50 overs. Robert Yates gave a brilliant start as the opener scored 114 of 111 deliveries. The captain himself scored 76 off 50 deliveries, while the wicket-keeper batter scored 58 off 51. Krunal Pandya, who is representing Warwickshire, was dismissed for a duck after Bradley Curie dismissed him in his second ball.

Sussex had a strong start as well. Opener Ali Orr scored 81 off 102 balls, and things went south after his dismissal. Cheteshwar Pujara batted at a strike rate of 135.44 but was dismissed in the 49th over. Krunal Pandya picked up three wickets, giving away 51 runs in his ten overs. With that, the Birmingham-based side won their second match of the tournament.

Sussex are currently 6th in the table with four points from four matches, while Warwickshire are fourth in the table with five points from three matches. Middlesex are currently leading the group with six points from four matches.