Washington Sundar becomes youngest bowler to take a 3-for in IPL

Rising Pune Supergiant off-spinner Washington Sundar on Tuesday became the youngest bowler to take a 3-for in the IPL. The Tamil Nadu bowler was 17 years and 223 days old when he achieved this unique feat. In the first Qualifier, Rising Pune Supergiant were up against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in a third Maharashtra Derby this season. Chasing 163, Mumbai faltered on too occasions and ended up 20 runs short.

Washington Sundar was instrumental in restricting the batting-heavy Mumbai side with figures of 3-16 in his quota of four overs. Washington struck with the very first ball of his second over, dismissing Rohit Sharma for yet another score of single figures. The MI skipper would have considered himself unlucky as there was an inside edge. Sundar then followed up Rohit’s wicket by removing Ambati Rayudu just three balls later.

The ball skid through quickly and hurried Rayudu on the pull. Steve Smith executed a good low catch to see the back of the dangerous Rayudu. Mumbai were already in serious trouble when Pollard’s wicket rocked them once again. Washington had got the big man, and it was that man Steve Smith, at short mid-wicket once again, who completed the catch. The Mumbai Indians were reeling at 51-4.

Overtaking Kamran Khan

Sundar gave away just 4 runs off his final over. His spell was well appreciated by the packed crowd at the Wankhede Stadium. The previous youngest bowler to have taken a 3-for in the IPL was left-arm pacer Kamran Khan. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Kamran bagged a three-wicket haul during the 2009 edition of the IPL which was held in South Africa.

Prior to Kamran Khan, the record for the youngest bowler to have picked up a 3-for was held by Pradeep Sangwan. Back in 2009, the left-arm speedster was plying his skills for the Delhi Daredevils. He took a three-for at the age of 18 years and 169 days.

Currently the heir to the Purple Cap, Jaydev Unadkat was also a contender for being the youngest bowler to take a 3-for. At 18 years and 181 days, Unadkat – yet another left-arm pacer – bagged a three-wicket haul back in 2010 while he was with the Kolkata Knight Riders.