[WATCH] Cheteshwar Pujara clobbers 22 runs in 1 over; shocked Twitterati say, “it can’t be him”
Team India batter Cheteshwar Pujara displayed a completely different side to his batting, smashing 22 runs in an over for Sussex against Warwickshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup on Friday, August 12.
The occurrence happened in the 45th over of Sussex’s innings in Birmingham. Sussex were set to chase 311 in the Group A match and the Indian batter, leading the side, clobbered Warwickshire pacer Liam Norwell for 22 runs.
Pujara, renowned for his stubborn defense, brought out his flamboyant side and struck three fours and a six during the over. His strokes also included a cheeky ramp behind the wicket.
The official Twitter handle of Sussex Cricket shared a video of Pujara’s brilliant batting. Watch the clip below:
4 2 4 2 6 4
TWENTY-TWO off the 47th over from @cheteshwar1. 🔥 https://t.co/jbBOKpgiTI
The veteran Indian batter’s fabulous knock, however, went in vain. He was dismissed for 107 off 79 balls at the start of the 49th over. Pujara smashed seven fours and two sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 135.44. Chasing 311, Sussex ended on 306 for seven.
How Twitter reacted to Pujara’s Pant-like innings
There were quite a few intriguing reactions on Twitter to the Test specialist’s blazing knock. Most were surprised with the range of Pujara’s hitting and also the ease with which he pulled off those strokes. Here are some interesting Twitter reactions to the Indian Test specialist's unexpected knock:
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 Needed him in the T20!! He’s doing great today as he has all season, so lucky to have him!
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 He's looking so awkward hitting all these shots 😭
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 Pujara for No 3 in T20 WC
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 Unbelievable 🔥
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 Wait....what?
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 😳😳😳
@SussexCCC @Cricket_Ali @cheteshwar1 It cant be him 😳
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 Bowler should retire
@SussexCCC @cheteshwar1 This Bowler will bury himself 6ft under ground for this much humiliation by @cheteshwar1
Earlier, Warwickshire elected to bat first after winning the toss. Opener Rob Yates’ 114 and half-centuries from Will Rhodes (76) and Michael Burgess (58) lifted the team to 310 for six.
In response, Pujara smashed a scintillating hundred while opener Ali Orr scored 81. Krunal Pandya claimed three for 51 from Warwickshire. Sussex needed 12 runs to win in the last over bowled by George Garrett, but managed only seven.