IPL 2020 Final: Marcus Stoinis showcases love-hate relationship with ‘first-balls’, Learn how!

Australian cricketer and Delhi Capitals star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has somewhat of a love hate relationship with ‘first balls’ – be it in batting or in bowling. The burly Australian, who is never to shy away from any challenge. His tryst with the first ball was evident in the ongoing IPL 2020 Final between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Delhi Capitals opened the batting with the red-hot Shikhar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis.

On the very first delivery of the big game, Stoinis was dismissed caught behind off Trent Boult. It was good length delivery that nipped off the surface and went away from the right-handed Stoinis. The burly Australian was beaten by the bounce and the swing and Quinton de Kock collected a dolly – giving the opening breakthrough to Mumbai Indians. Stoinis was dismissed for a first ball duck.

While in the batting department Stoinis’ luck didn’t shine, in the bowling front – things went in his favor. While bowling his very first ball in the game, he removed Quinton de Kock (20 off 12) caught behind – providing his side with the opening breakthrough.

There were even other striking things about it – He was dismissed caught behind and took his wicket caught behind. He was the first wicket to go down for Delhi and he was the one who took the first wicket as well. So we can now say that Stoinis loves 'firsts' in general.

Although Stoinis didn’t fire with the bat in the final, he had engaged in a brilliant 86-run opening stand with Dhawan against SRH in the Qualifier 2 – The surprising decision to send Stoinis to open the innings worked. In that game Stoinis also picked up three wickets and was crowned the man of the match – taking his side into the IPL 2020 Final.