Nathan Ellis recently set the world of cricket ablaze as he became the first male cricketer ever to pick up a hat-trick on T20I debut.
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have announced a new addition to their squad, roping in Australian sensation Nathan Ellis. The pacer will be part of the squad for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, and is expecting the join the team camp shortly after finishing his quarantine. Ellis recently set the T20 World ablaze as he became the first male cricketer ever to pick up a hat-trick on T20I debut. The pacer claimed figures of 3/34 on debut against Bangladesh in August 2021. The youngster was also recently named in the reserves squad for Australia for the 2021 T20 World Cup. Ellis’ addition is certainly a significant one considering the absence of their two Australian imports Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith.
Ellis was one of the standout performers of the 2021 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). He was the leading wicket-taker for his franchise Hobart Hurricanes. The fast-bowler accounted for 20 wickets in just 14 games. Ellis played all games for the franchise this season and almost got them through to the knockout stages.
Ellis gained a reputation for being a genuine wicket-taker for the Hurricanes, with an impressive bowling average of just over 22. The 26-year-old has plenty of variations and tricks up his sleeve. He would now be optimistic of having the same impact in the IPL 2021 when he takes the field for PBKS.
The Punjab-based franchise recorded just three wins in the first half of the 2021 season. KL Rahul’s side have some catching up to do to keep the playoffs hopes alive. They would need to win at least four of their remaining six matches to guarantee a spot. However, this is nothing new for fans of the franchise who witnessed PBKS win six of their final eight games to almost sneak into the playoffs. A similar performance this time around will certainly help the Punjab-based franchise secure a maiden playoffs spot since 2014.
The schedule for the remaining games of the IPL 2021 has been released. Rahul’s team is expected to take to the field on September 21, with an encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium. Matches between the two teams have often ended up as high scoring thrillers, with the Rajasthan-based franchise emerging victorious on both occasions last year.
PBKS however registered a win against RR in their previous clash. The team in red and gold will be optimistic of a win yet again. The Punjab-based franchise will next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Sharjah. This will be followed by an encounter against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Chris Gayle recorded his only century for PBKS against SRH back in 2018, and would be eager to replicate such a feat given the small boundaries at Sharjah.
The face-off between MI and PBKS is also expected to be an entertainer, considering they played out a double Super Over game last season in the UAE. The Punjab-based franchise will then finish off their campaign with games against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively.
