Seeking their inaugural victory in the West Cape Derby in SA20, Jos Buttler and Jason Roy provided an electrifying start for the Paarl Royals against the MI Cape Town bowlers.
Despite Roy’s departure after reaching a half-century in the 14th over, Nuwan Thushara, donning MI colors, swiftly dismissed Jos Buttler and Fabien Allen in consecutive deliveries during the 18th over, reminiscent of the formidable bowling prowess exhibited by Lasith Malinga in his cricketing heyday.
In the opening delivery of the 18th over, Thushara delivered a fuller ball along the off-stump line, overcoming the well-set Jos Buttler at 54. Although not a precise yorker, Buttler created space to maneuver through the off side, inadvertently allowing the ball to slip beneath his bat and crash onto the off stump.
Shortly after the off stump was dislodged, the slingy-actioned pacer deceived Fabien Allen with a dipping yorker, catching the Caribbean all-rounder off-guard.
Nuwan Thushara adding to the heat in Paarl 🔥#Betway #SA20 #WelcomeToIncredible #PRvMICT pic.twitter.com/Iiy4Jr98Yr
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 21, 2024
Seated in the dugout was the former Sri Lanka legend and Mumbai Indians veteran, Lasith Malinga, prompting the Twitterverse to draw parallels between the incident and the dynamic of a ‘Master and its Apprentice.’