Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020-21: Sreesanth sledges Yashasvi Jaiswal; the batter gives perfect response on next ball

S. Sreesanth was allegedly accused of spot-fixing during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals’ pacer was even arrested by the police regarding the matter, along with two of his other teammates- Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. But then, after 7 long years, the pacer made his return to competitive cricket at the age of 37 for the Kerala side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.

There was a mini duel that took place in the match between Kerala and Mumbai on January 13th, 2021. 19-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal got the better of Sreesanth, a man who is almost double his age. Off the first ball of the 6th over in the Mumbai innings, Sreesanth bowled a length delivery just outside off stump. Jaiswal went for a big heave but failed to make any connection.

Sreesanth went and had a small ‘chat’ with the young left-hander after the delivery. Jaiswal’s reply would have definitely rattled the veteran pacer. Off the next delivery bowled by Sreesanth, Jaiswal cleared his front leg out of the way and smashed the ball into orbit. The ball almost landed in the top tier of the stadium. It was a shot from a batsman who will not back down, a batsman who will answer back with his willow when confronted with a challenge.

You can watch the video of the incident here

pic.twitter.com/RBTFHCYJ8U

— Sandybatsman (@sandybatsman) January 14, 2021

Mohammed Azharuddeen blows away the Mumbai bowling attack

As far as the match is concerned, Kerala comfortably chased down a daunting target of 197 set by the Mumbai side. The Mumbai openers, Jaiswal and Aditya Tare put on a stand of 88 runs in 9.5 overs. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, and Shivam Dube chipped in with useful cameos to allow Mumbai to post a challenging total of on the board.

In reply, Mohammed Azharuddeen (surely not the former Indian skipper), absolutely tore into the Mumbai attack and reduced the match into a no-contest. In a knock comprising 11 sixes and 9 fours, the right-hander scored a blazing unbeaten 54-ball 137 to rattle the Mumbai bowling attack. He was supported by veteran Robin Uthappa who scored a 23-ball 33. The Uthappa-Azharuddeen duo put on a 129-run opening stand to allow Kerala to post their second consecutive win.