MI vs RR IPL 2024: Shimron Hetmyer takes a screamer as Rajasthan Royals raise fielding standard in outfield at Wankhede Stadium

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MI vs RR, IPL 2024: Shimron Hetmyer became a contender for taking one of the best catches of the season by taking a sensational catch to dismiss Mumbai Indians' batter Piyush Chawla on Monday (April 1) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Hetmyer, the West Indies cricketer known for his excellent fielding skills, showcased brilliant athleticism as he pulled off a stunning catch at backward point region and ended Chawla's innings.

Chawla was promoted to number 6 after Mumbai Indians had a horrid start in their first home game of the season. Batting on 3, the left-handed batter tried to cut pacer Avesh Khan towards the backward point to get a boundary but an alert Hetmyer - who had a reaction time of less than a seventh of a second - had other ideas.

The 27-year-old all-rounder from Guyana plucked it out of nowhere, leaving the thousands of MI supporters at Wankhede Stadium dumbfounded. Mumbai, thus, lost their sixth wicket for 83 in 11.1 overs.

Awestruck by Hetmyer's sensational athleticism inside the 30-yard-circle, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson ran towards his teammate and climbed upon his back before others joined the duo to celebrate the fall of yet another wicket.

Later in the day, Rajasthan Royals' senior all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin took a brilliant catch at short-third region to grab a catch and ended the innings of Tilak Varma on 32 off Chahal's bowling.

But the proceeding of a spirited fielding effort in the high-stakes encounter was started by Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson - who took a superb catch behind the stumps to end Rohit Sharma's knock for a duck. Rohit nicked the away-going delivery from Trent Boult and an alert Samson jumped towards his right to pouch the ball in his gloves, triggering a pin-drop silence in the first over of the match.

It was a good outing in the field for Rajasthan Royals as their fielders produced a stellar show to restrict Mumbai to 125/9 in 20 overs. As many as eight catches were taken by RR fielders in the game as MI batters subdued against a persistent bowling attack.

Chahal (3/11) and Trent Boult (3/22) were the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Pink as they prevented the home team from posting a big total. Boult - who picked up successive wickets in the opening over - broke the backbone of the Hardik Pandya-led side by striking three times in four balls, pushing the hosts on the back foot.

MI skipper Hardik - who scored a quickfire 21-ball 34 - was the highest run-scorer for his team before falling into Chahal's trap. Pandya was caught at long-on by RR substitute Rovman Powell.