PBKS vs RR: Things heat up between Sam Curran-Shimron Hetmyer during thrilling clash

Sam Curran and Hetmyer. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

The 66th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings and the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, in Dharamsala, on Friday, May 19.

Through the excellence of Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran, and Shahrukh Khan, Punjab posted 187 runs on the board in the first innings. Coming in to chase the target, excellent knocks by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Devdutt Padikkal propelled the Sanju Samson-led side to a brilliant win.

However, during the run chase, things started to heat up between English all-rounder Sam Curran and Shimron Hetmyer. It was in the 17th over of the second innings, when Curran supposedly dismissed Hetmyer off the fifth ball of the over. However, the Windies batter was deemed not out after he reviewed the decision.

After the umpire immediately raised his finger to dismiss Hetmyer at first, Curran dug in by saying something to the 26-year-old. The exchange of words between the two players remains unclear. Curran continued on the very next ball of the over when Hetmyer hit the ball straight into the English all-rounder’s hands. Furthermore, the drama did not stop there as Hetmyer hit Curran for a boundary in the 19th over, kept his bat held high, held the pose, and ran around Curran.

Hetmyer scored 46 runs in 28 deliveries, and his knock was crucial for Rajasthan in winning the clash against Punjab and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

It’s good to have someone say something to me: Hetmyer

After Rajasthan Royals defeated Punjab Kings by four wickets, Hetmyer came forward to reflect on the situation with Curran. The middle-order batter opined that when someone says something to him, it gives him the confidence to execute.

“It’s always good to have someone say something to me, it doesn’t really happen much. I really enjoyed it today, giving me a little bit more confidence and a little bit more energy to execute and do what I need to do. (What was said by Curran?) Not anything I can disclose here, to be honest,” Hetmyer said in the post-match presentation.