IPL 2024: Matthew Hayden picks the cleanest hitter in the world

Matthew Hayden heaps praise on the Caribbean star after the CSK vs LSG game.

Chaithanya GulapalaApril 25, 2024Last Updated: April 25, 2024

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Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden who has been keeping a tab on the ongoing Indian Premier League, reserved the highest respect for a cricketer, whom he thinks is the ‘cleanest hitter’ in the world.

Australian batting great has named Nicholas Pooran as the cleanest hitter in the world cricket. Hayden’s words of praise comes after the high-scoring run-fest between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Batting first, CSK posted a humongous total of 210/4 in their quota of 20 overs. In reply, LSG sought solace in the form of Marcus Stoinis who single-handedly anchored the innings, with his fearless stroke play. At the same time, LSG also received some help from Nicholas Pooran.

For the record, Pooran came at a time when there was relentless pressure on the chasing side. Earlier, Devdutt Padikkal played out 19 deliveries. However, he could muster 13 runs and the game was just starting to tilt towards CSK’s favour.

Nicholas Pooran is a talented free hitter of the ball: Matthew Hayden

Nevertheless, Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran did more than enough to put the team into the comfort zone. Pooran did his part by scoring a quickfire 34 off 15 deliveries. He struck three fours and two hits over the fence at a strike rate of 226.67.

“The 19 balls that Padikkal took up before his dismissal, that was putting Marcus Stoinis under enormous pressure. When he was bowled this evening, that was probably the best outcome for LSG because it brought in the accelerator to LSG. Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest hitter in the world, I think, in this IPL. Such a talented free hitter of the ball,” said Matthew Hayden on Star Sports.

Marcus Stoinis scored a match-winning 124 off 63 balls, laced with 13 fours and 6 sixes and was named the Man of the Match. Currently, LSG are fourth on the points table with five wins and three defeats, collecting 10 points. They will take on Rajasthan Royals in the next game on April 27, Saturday at Ekana Sports City in Lucknow.

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