Abhishek Porel took a one-handed blinder to dismiss Rohit Sharma at a crucial juncture of the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians (DC vs MI) match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. The stunning effort also was rewarded as the best Catch of the match during the award ceremony.
The catch, however, couldn't change Delhi Capitals' fortunes in the game as they slumped to their fourth defeat of the season in as many games. However, Porel's effort did ensure that the match went to the last ball as Rohit Sharma was threatening to take the game away sooner.
The Mumbai Indians skipper scored a 45-ball 65 and edged Mustafizzur's wide yorker to Porel when the side needed 31 runs off the remaining 20 deliveries. Sharma also ended his 24-match half-century drought with the innings. Tim David (13*) and Cameron Green (17*) earned MI their first win of the IPL 2023 as they chased down the target of 174
In the first innings earlier, Axar Patel scored his first half-century of IPL as he reached the milestone with a quickfire knock of 25-ball 54. The side's skipper David Warner scored his third half century of IPL 2023 but was criticised for scoring a slow 51 runs off 47 balls.
Prithvi Shaw's poor form continued as he got out after scoring just 15 while Manish Pandey could only score 18-ball 26. Yash Dhull couldn't make the most out of the rare opportunity as he was gone for just two runs.
As far as Abhishek Porel is concerned, the Bengal Ranji keeper could only contribute 1 run with the bat after he came out to bat at No.8 with eight deliveries remaining. The Delhi Capitals' wicketkeeper, who plays for Bengal and was roped in to fill the big shoes of Rishabh Pant in the squad, took the blinder behind the stumps and earned praises from the fans on Twitter.
During the presentation ceremony, Harsha Bhogle also made the mistake of calling Abhishek Porel by the name Ishan. Ishan Porel is a fast bowler, who is also a teammate of Abhishek at the Bengal cricket team.
Sorry Abhishek Porel, I might have referred to you as Ishan at the end. Get a treat off your cousin. And yes, absolutely loved your work and look forward to calling many more games that you will play in.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 11, 2023
CTACH OF THE TOURNAMENT SO FAR, WHAT A TAKE ABHISHEK POREL. #DCvMI #MIvsDC @ImRo45 #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/Ao3bc5FD0q
— Sanjeet (@sanjeetabcd) April 11, 2023
Lightning quick reaction time ✅
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) April 11, 2023
Athleticism ✅
Critical wicket ✅
Abhishek Porel has the catch of the tournament so far #IPL2023 #MIvDC
Two top catches of the tournament so far. Both by the wicket keepers. Sanju Samson catch of Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma. #TATAIPL #DCvMI
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) April 11, 2023
Massive moment in the game!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 11, 2023
Abhishek Porel flies to his right and plucks a stunning catch 🤯🤯
And it's #MI skipper Rohit Sharma who has to depart for 65!
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/6PWNXA2Lk6 #TATAIPL | #DCvMI pic.twitter.com/LEmY5j7x7N
His abhishek porel looks like a solid wicket keeper prospect. Such a tender age with strong WK skills. Becomes his fan. Although heard a lot about him from kaptaan & Kaushik.
— Sourabh Sanyal (@sourabhsanyal) April 11, 2023
The people who were killing Dinesh Karthik for the last ball fiasco a couple of days ago are today going soft on Abhishek Porel.. #IPL #NoCountryforOldMen चढ़ते सूरज को सलाम
— Pavan Jha (@p1j) April 11, 2023
Abhishek Porel is a test wicket keeper in the making.
— Archith (@UtdArc) April 11, 2023
India have a talented wicketkeeper in their hands. Will be watching his growth with interest.
Impressive behind the stumps. #Abhishekporel pic.twitter.com/9A5YLljg65
— RaghavendraMedisetty | 9394022222 (@ursraghutweets) April 11, 2023