Xtra Time Web Desk: Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Sam Curran was not aware that he was on a hat-trick until he was told by his teammates. The England cricketer, making his first appearance in the cash-rich league clinched the first hat-trick of IPL 2019. It was due to the tremendous death bowling from Sam Curran and Md Shami, the home side returned victorious, winning the match by 14 runs. Speaking about his hat-trick at the post-match presentation ceremony, Curran said, “I didn’t really know towards the end until I was told by my teammates. The crowd actually went so loud that I cannot even hear myself and anything like that. Ash(Ashwin) told me to do what I do and just try and focus on me and the batsman and nothing else. Luckily I bowled the three yorkers and we won.” Delhi Capitals lost their last 7 wickets for 8 runs, getting bowled out for 152 runs in 19.2 overs. The win took Punjab to the second spot on the points table. The Surrey all-rounder, who was also the costliest buy for Kings XI Punjab, proved his worth when it mattered the most. His bowling figures showed 2.2-4-11 along with the quick-fire 20 off 10 balls opening the batting. Curran was sent to open the batting for Kings after Chris Gayle was rested due to a sour back. On being asked whether he opened the batting ever, Curran said, “He (Gayle) is definitely bigger than me. It was a great win for the guys and obviously, we went there to put up an impressive show for the team. I have opened in school cricket. But yes this is the first time I opened in a professional game.” Talking about bowling the final over, Curran said, “I was having a word with Ryan Harris prior to bowling the final over. Just to know more about the local boys as I don’t really know where they hit . Shami bowled two amazing overs at the end which helped as well. We took six wickets in two overs and that changed the game and that Ashwin run out as well.”

IPL 2019: I didn’t really knew I was on a hat-trick, says Sam Curran