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Venkatesh Iyer KKR
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Venkatesh Iyer’s late-game heroics with the ball powered Lancashire to a thrilling victory against Worcestershire in the One Day Cup in England. Despite a tough season with both bat and ball, Iyer delivered when it mattered most, and secured a win for his team.

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer stepped up in the 49th over when Worcestershire needed just 15 runs from 12 balls to win. The previous over saw Worcestershire’s Tom Hinley bring his team close to win, leaving Lancashire on the back foot. Iyer, however, turned the tide with two deliveries that changed the game's course.

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What happened in Venkatesh Iyer's match-winning over?

Iyer’s over began with some misfortune, as he conceded four leg byes and a boundary off the first two balls. Two wides and a couple of singles later,

Worcestershire needed only four runs from eight balls. However, Iyer made a stunning comeback. He first dismissed Hinley who hit a mistimed shot straight to deep mid-wicket.

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Then, on the very next ball, he trapped Harry Darley leg before wicket, stealing a narrow three-run win for Lancashire as Worcestershire were bowled out for 234, chasing 237.

“I really enjoyed that. Halfway through the innings, they were dominating, and then we took a few wickets to get back in the game. Some games teach you that it is never over until the last ball. I’m glad that I was a part of it,” said Iyer after the match.

“I was confident in that last over because I was bowling really well. If I was not bowling well, my confidence would have gone. But they were eight wickets down and so it just needed two good balls. If I got one the last batter would have had the pressure on them. So I didn’t give up. We have a good group and the way they were talking to me gave me a boost so that I thought we can still win this game," he added.

Venkatesh Iyer's struggles with Lancashire

While this match-winning performance was a high point, Iyer has struggled overall in the One Day Cup. With the bat, he has scored only 68 runs in five innings, averaging just 13.60.

His bowling has also been inconsistent, with three wickets from four matches at an average of 36.66 and an economy rate of 6.11.

Iyer’s over against Worcestershire was a standout moment in an otherwise challenging season with Lancashire. Despite his efforts, Lancashire remains at the bottom of Group A in the One Day Cup, with just two wins from eight matches. Iyer’s contract with Lancashire ends in July, and he is expected to return to India for the Duleep Trophy.

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Author(s)
Divy Dubey Photo

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.