Pat Cummins stunned the cricket fraternity by playing a stunning knock of 56 not out from just 15 balls as the all-rounder helped Kolkata Knight Riders make short work of a 162-run target against Mumbai Indians at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. However, the Australia Test captain said he was probably the most surprised by his sensational knock that handed MI their third successive defeat in IPL 2022.

Cummins hit the joint-fastest fifty in the history of IPL, emulating KL Rahul’s 14-ball fifty in 2018. Coming into bat after KKR lost Andre Russell at 101/5 in the 14th over, Cummins went on a six-hitting spree to help the 2-time champions chase down the target with 24 balls to spare.

IPL 2022: Full Coverage

Cummins launched into compatriot Daniel Sams, hitting him for 35 runs in the 16th over to finish things off in style as the cricket world watched his big-hitting masterclass in awe. Notably, it was the first match for Cummins in IPL 2022 as he joined the team late following the completion of the Test series in Pakistan.

Cummins struck 6 sixes and 4 boundaries as Sams set an unwanted record for the most expensive over by an overseas bowler in the IPL.

“I probably think I’m most surprised by that innings. I’m glad that it came off. I was thinking of having a swing if it was in my area. Wasn’t trying to overthink it. Very satisfying to do it on my first game this season. Was just trying to pepper the shorter boundary.,” Cummins said after scripting the IPL record.

Meanwhile, Cummins talked up the dressing room atmosphere at KKR, saying the team has calm and composed individuals for the new season, highlighting the good work done by the franchisees at the mega auction.

Cummins, who was bought back by KKR for Rs 7.25 crore, also picked up 2 wickets with the ball as MI posted a par total of 161 on the board.

“The hard thing after a big auction is that there are a lot of changes from last year. It’s a good mix of talent out there and quite relaxed with the boys,” he said.

Cummins gave away 3 sixes in the final over as Kieron Pollard launched a late assault after a fifty on the comeback from Suryakumara Yadav. Despite listing Rohit Sharma early, MI was helped by ‘baby AB’ Dewald Brevis’s quickfire 29 and Tilak Varma’s 38.

However, the efforts were not enough as MI was blown away by Cummins, who did the job with the bat for KKR, this time.