Australian sensation Mitchell Owen, who caused a stir during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25, made an eagerly awaited debut during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as well. However, his performance in the match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) was not impressive, as he couldn’t get off the mark in his first innings.
Owen was signed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in place of injured Glenn Maxwell, but his IPL performance was worlds apart from his brilliant Big Bash outing.
Mitchell Owen’s Big Bash Success vs IPL Struggles
Before his IPL debut, Mitchell Owen was the toast of the town in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). The 23-year-old right-hander had a phenomenal season, scoring 452 runs in 11 games, with an average of 45 and a strike rate of 203.
In the BBL 2024-25 final, Owen illuminated the platform with a scorching 108 runs from a mere 42 balls, proving his T20 firepower. This scintillating form saw him get a call-up to the IPL. But when Punjab Kings decided to bring Owen in for the injured Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s all-rounder’s IPL debut was not so rosy.
Disappointing IPL Debut: Mitchell Owen Goes for a Duck
During the PBKS vs RR match, Mitchell Owen was given the task to leave an impression. Sadly, his debut innings lasted only a few moments. Owen played just two balls and got out without making a single run.
He attempted a rash shot at Kwena Mphaka, the teenage South African pacer, but the ball edged and was comfortably taken by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. Owen’s dismal dismissal was a reflection of the IPL travails of Glenn Maxwell, who is the highest scorer of ducks in the history of the IPL.
Mitchell Owen’s Issues in PSL
Mitchell Owen’s performance in the IPL was not his initial failure in a T20 league. Before joining the IPL, Owen had represented Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
His performance in the PSL also was not up to the mark, as he was unable to make a fifty in 7 innings from 8 matches. Owen’s highest individual score in the PSL was 34 runs, and he was able to score a mere 102 runs at an average of 14.57. Even though his strike rate was 192, Owen could not make his starts big innings, and Peshawar Zalmi could win only 4 out of their 9 games.
Punjab Kings Post 200+ Total in PBKS vs RR Match
Even though Mitchell Owen got out early, Punjab Kings could set a good total on the board. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bat first in the PBKS vs RR match. Though Punjab’s top order collapsed early, with the first three wickets gone in the fourth over, the team staged a good recovery.
Nehal Wadhera played a stunning innings, scoring 70 runs from 37 balls, and Shashank Singh gave much-needed punch with an unbeaten 59 runs from 30 balls. Punjab Kings completed their innings with a strong score of 219/5 in 20 overs, making it an uphill task for Rajasthan Royals.
A Tough Beginning for Mitchell Owen in IPL 2025
Mitchell Owen’s debut for the IPL against the Rajasthan Royals was far from the beginning he had anticipated, as he was given out for a duck. Although his Big Bash 2024-25 performance was nothing but phenomenal, his IPL journey so far has been tumultuous. Nevertheless, Owen’s explosive talent, evident in the Big Bash, might see him regain his footing and make a greater contribution in the subsequent games.
Regarding Punjab Kings, even though they suffered an early setback, they were able to put up a tough score of 219/5 courtesy of scintillating knocks by Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. PBKS vs RR was a thrilling match, with both teams giving a show to watch.
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