IPL 2023: Top 5 bowling performances from first week

The first week of the IPL 2023 concluded with match 9 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Eden Gardens. After week 1, the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) are ruling the IPL 2023 points table with four points in two matches, beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC).

Following the 2022 title winners, the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) are holding the second position with two victories from their couple of appearances.

The opening week saw some phenomenal bowling performances from some renowned names. Riding on their extraordinary bowling shows, their teams tasted success in matches. In the upcoming weeks, their teams will expect them to continue their form and take their teams to the Playoff round. 

Here are five fabulous bowling performances from week 1 of the cash-rich league:

5. Nathan Ellis’s 4/30 vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)

After winning their first game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) were looking to take the momentum forward against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Winning the toss, Royals invited the visitors to bat first.

With the amazing batting efforts of their openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh Punjab posted 197/4 on the board.

Defending the total, Punjab got an amazing start from Arshdeep Singh as he dismissed RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravichandran Ashwin in their first four overs. Making the matter worse for the hosts, Nathan Ellis removed the dangerous Jos Buttler from the crease while Buttler was still batting on 19 (11).

With the fall of three early wickets, captain Sanju Samson strived to stabilised the RR innings but Ellis, who was in a great rhythm that evening, got the better of Samson 42(25). Before ending his magnificent spell, he strengthened his team’s position by claiming the scalps of Riyan Parag and Devdutt Padikkal.