South African mainstay Dale Steyn returned with impressive figures of 2/33 in his four overs on his Lanka Premier League debut on Wednesday. Steyn, 37, wrecked the Jaffna Stallions top-order during the powerplay, giving Kandy Tuskers a much-needed headstart during the Lanka Premier League’s 16th match.
The Celebration Of Dale Steyn That Went Viral
However, one talking point the took on social media and amused the spectators was Dale Steyn’s new celebration. Ditching his aggressive, fist closed celebrations, the Kandy Tuskers pacer decided to go a little cooler and took out an imaginary fish rod, pulling fish out of water in a much entertaining imitation.
Opening the bowling attack for the Tuskers Steyn dismissed Avishka Fernando on the very second ball. The ball showing some movement, left the opener–who hadn’t opened his account–to only find an edge and then fall in wicketkeeper Kusal Perera’s gloves. Rather than standing in the face of the batsman and doing his much aggressive celebratory move, Dale Steyn surrounded by his teammates, did the newfound fish rod celebration.
Feels soo good to see him back in action ?? #DaleSteyn #KandyTuskers #LPL2020
Love you @DaleSteyn62 ? pic.twitter.com/jGfS7uAQDw— Charith ? (@CharithTweetz) December 10, 2020
More About The Game And How Dale Steyn Contributed
After having selected to bat first, Thisara Perera’s Jaffna Stallions were reduced to three wickets and 50 runs at the end of the powerplay. It was Steyn who picked the first wicket and then took a catch running backwards to affect two dismissals.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore bowler, who is considered as the best test pacer of his time, was called back in the 15th over, where he didn’t disappoint by sending Wanindu Hassaranga back to the dugout. He followed the middle-order batsman’s dismissal with the same ‘fishing’ celebration.
Dale had started the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore but seemed to have lost his magic touch when he has picked just one wicket in three matches and conceded 11.40 runs an over. However, after spending a considerable amount of time on the bench, made a much-awaited comeback in the LPL.
What The Player Of The Match Said Post The Win?
However, it was Asela Gunaratne, the Player of the Match, who boosted the Tuskers to chase down a modest 151 run target. His 52 runs off 37 balls aided by Kusal Perera’s 42 off 36 balls helped the team reach the target with five balls to spare.
“I have been in this situation before and know what needs to be done. Was confident of chasing it down. Happy to have the tournament with all the obstacles around. I am happy to contribute with bat and ball.”
What The Two Captains Said After The Game?
Kusal Perera, the winning captain mentioned that the pitch was difficult to bat on. “We had to win this game. The wicket was not flat and was difficult to bat on. Asela and Irfan did well to take it deep and win the game. We are not thinking about winning or losing. We will come tomorrow and try to give our best.”
Thisara Perera, the losing skipper pointed out at his team’s shortcomings when it comes to batting first. “We are trying to bat first because we are chasing easily. Also, we are experimenting before the semifinal. We were 15-20 runs short.”
