Mumbai: Thrill and Excitement have been stuck with the IPL since its inception in 2008. The latest IPL season was no less than a roller-coaster ride, filled up with some spectacular knocks.
Over the course of two months, the world witnessed batsmen attacking the ball from the very first ball to batsmen slowly building their innings till finishing the game for their team.
IPL is regarded as a batsman's game for many years and here are the top five IPL 2019 knock to prove this statement. (As reported by Sportskeeda)
Number 1: Hardik Pandya
(Photo: BCCI)
Hardik Pandya silenced his doubters by playing a scintillating 91 runs knock against Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing a target of 233, Mumbai's four batsmen were sent back at a mere score of 58.
Pandya ensured that MI cruise to the victory by targetting spinners-- Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla. Pandya raced to his half-century in just 17 balls. Pandya smoked 9 sixes and 6 fours in his innings. Even though Mumbai Indians lost the match and Pandya's efforts went in vain, the crowd certainly witnessed one of the best innings in the history of IPL.
Number 2: Andre Russell
(Photo: BCCI)
The most destructive batsman of IPL 2019 was Andre Russell. His sheer power and bat speed assisted him in destructing any bowler. RCB was successful in putting up a mammoth total of 205 runs on the board at Chinnaswamy. However, KKR responded with a victorious run chase as Russell finished the game with his 13-ball-48 knock.
Russell smoked 7 sixes in his innings and changed the match in KKR's favour in last three overs. Russell dominated Marcus Stoinis by hitting three back to back sixes in 18th over. The Russell saga did not end there. He destroyed Tim Southee in the penultimate over by smoking 29 runs. Russell remained unbeaten and secured two crucial points for KKR.
Number 3: Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard only scored one 50 plus score in IPL 2019. But when he did, he made sure that he made the most out of it. Pollard blasted 83 runs off just 31 balls against Kings XI Punjab.
Pollard hammered 10 sixes in his innings at a strike rate of 267.74 and guided Mumbai to a successful run chase. Mumbai Indians needed 32 runs from the last two overs and Pollard eased the situation by gathering 17 runs in the penultimate over bowled by Sam Curran.
Kieron Pollard
Ankit Rajpoot was successful in dismissing Pollard in the last over, but the glory came too late for Kings XI Punjab. Pollard had already sailed Mumbai's ship to the shore.
Number 4: Rishabh Pant
(Photo: BCCI)
After getting snubbed for a spot in the 15-member squad for the World Cup 2019, Rishabh Pant retaliated by scoring 78 runs in just 27 balls against Mumbai Indians.
Building his innings mostly around gigantic sixes, Pant smashed 7 sixes and 7 fours in his innings. Delhi Capitals were able to put up 213 runs on the board due to Pant's heroics. Delhi Capitals won the match by 37 runs and Pant was awarded Man of the Match award.
Number 5: Jonny Bairstow
(Photo: PTI)
Playing his first IPL, Jonny Bairstow made sure to leave a mark on everyone before departing to England. Partnering with David Warner, he destroyed Royal Challengers Bangalore's bowling attack by smashing 113 off 56 balls.
Bairstow completed his half-century in 28 balls and accelerated his innings as he steered Sunrisers to a mammoth total of 231 runs.
He also accomplished the feat of building the highest ever opening partnership of IPL. Warner and Bairstow put up 185 runs on the board for the first wicket.
