RR vs KKR: Trent Boult shatters Bhuvneshwar Kumar's record to create IPL history during RR vs PBKS clash

The Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) struggles continue in the ongoing IPL 2024, as the team suffered yet another disappointing defeat in the tournament. In a thrilling IPL 2024 encounter, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) crushed the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by five wickets at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati to hand their fourth consecutive defeat of this season.

After opting to bat first Samson, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter badly struggled to get going, and they could post a below-par score of 144/9 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving their bowlers with the daunting task of defending the modest target against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Guwahati.

Despite the challenging situation, RR pacer Trent Boult showcased his prowess with the ball, delivering a stellar performance to achieve a remarkable milestone in the tournament. Boult's fiery spell began in the very first over of the PBKS’ chase when the New Zealand speedster dismissed opener Prabhsimran Singh with a well-executed delivery.

Trent Boult makes history during RR's fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2024

RR leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took a spectacular sliding catch to help Boult script history in the IPL by dismissing Prabhsimran for six off four balls in Guwahati. It was his 28th wicket in the first over of an IPL match, resulting in Boult shattering the record for the most wickets in the first over of an IPL match set by the India and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The veteran New Zealand fast-bowler now becomes the bowler with the most first-over dismissals in IPL history, which shows his exceptional skill and effectiveness in the powerplay. Boult is leading the chart for the most number of wickets in the first over in the history of the IPL with 28 scalps, followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (27), and Praveen Kumar (17).

Deepak Chahar and Sandeep Sharma have also found a place in the elite list, with 13 wickets each to their names. They are in the fourth spot, while the former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan (12) is the fifth bowler to have the most wickets in the first over of an IPL match. Boult has also taken the most wickets in the first over in the ongoing IPL 2024, taking six wickets so far.

Trent Boult is not on fire with the ball this season

Despite Boult's record-breaking performance, RR ultimately fell short, as PBKS chased down the target of 145 runs with five wickets in hand and seven balls to spare in Guwahati to only extend their losing streak in the ongoing IPL 2024. However, he finished with the bowling figures of 1/27 in his 3 overs against RR.

Notably, Boult has not been in great form with the ball in the ongoing IPL 2024, as he has managed only 12 scalps in 13 games for RR so far in the tournament. He will be seen in action on May 19, when the RR will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final league game in Guwahati.

He will then represent the Black Caps in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean. Boult will be leading the Kiwis’s bowling attack alongside Tim Southee in the mega-even.