Blackcaps bowler Trent Boult was fortunate to complete a chaotic caught and bowled in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as his teammates converged to nearly rob him of a wicket.
Opening the bowling for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad, Boult drew a false shot from wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, whose mistimed shot went skywards.
However, three of his teammates converged to try and take the catch, leaving hearts in mouths.
Wicketkeeper and Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson got there first, but collided with West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer and had the ball pop up out of the gloves.
Boult was in the right place at the right time, as the ball dropped straight into his waiting hands.
Saha went for four, as Boult secured a wicket in his first over for the fifth time this IPL season.
Despite losing their wicketkeeper early, Gujarat still posted 177/7 from their 20 overs, with 46 to South Africa's David Miller the best on offer.
Despite striking first up, Boult returned expensive figures of 1/46 from his four overs, as India's Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the Rajasthan bowlers.
In response, the Royals chase was anchored by half-centuries to Samson (60) and Hetmyer (56 not out).
Batting at No.9, Boult was at the crease when the winning runs were hit, as Hetmyer completed the victory in the 20th over, seeing the Royals home with three wickets to spare at 179/7.
The win puts the Royals further clear at the top of the IPL ladder with eight points - two ahead of second-placed Lucknow Super Giants.
Gujarat is third with three wins and two defeats - all without injured Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson.
Gujarat Titans 177/7 (Miller 46; Sharma 2/25) Rajasthan Royals 179/7 (Samson 60, Hetmyer 56 not out; Shami 3/25)
Royals win by three wickets
