RR vs KXIP IPL 2019: Ashwin mankads Buttler; stirs cricket world

A highly interesting drama unfolded at Jaipur when R Aswhin ran out Jos Buttler in the mankad style during the RR vs KXIP match in IPL 2019.

Buttler’s blitz threatens to take game away from Punjab

Courtesy of Chris Gayle’s magnificent half-century Punjab posted 184 runs on board but Jos Buttler took the attack to the opposition and produced a sensational innings.

Buttler added 78 runs for the first wicket with Ajinkya Rahane in just 49 balls and then kept on playing his strokes despite wickets falling from other end.

The England batsman scored 69 runs off just 43 balls and was looking extremely solid. He had neutralized all bowlers of Punjab and was unscratched until Ashwin produced a moment of brilliance in his own bowling to run out Buttler.

Ashwin Mankad outs Buttler, ignites heated debate

On the fifth ball of the 13th over, Buttler was standing at the non-striker’s end when R Ashwin stopped mid-way in his bowling action. At that moment, Buttler had just moved out of the crease and was unaware of Ashwin’s actions.

Ashwin sensed Buttler being out of the crease and then whipped off the bails to catch him short of the crease.

The on-field umpire sent the decision to the third umpire who after a series of replays declared Buttler run out.

The Rajasthan Royals batsman was clearly disappointed with the decision and didn’t hide his emotions.  This also led to a heated debate in the cricket fraternity as former players and fans discussed whether Ashwin’s action was morally correct or not.

Royals collapse after Buttler’s exit

The run-out was a decisive moment in the match as after that Royals had a batting collapse and failed to close the chase.

After Buttler’s dismissal, Rajasthan scored just 68 runs off just 43 balls and the team lost the match by 14 runs.

And thus Ashwin’s clever or shrewd move won the game for his team.