Delhi Capitals climbed onto the second position in the 2021 Indian Premier League table after completing a 6-wicket win over Punjab Kings at the Wankhade Stadium on Sunday.
Shikhar Dhawan starred in Delhi’s win yet again as he scored 92 runs off 49 balls smashing 13 boundaries and a couple of maximums in his swashbuckling innings. Prithvi Shaw supported him well with a fiery innings of 32 runs off just 17 balls while Marcus Stoinis applied the finishing touch as the Australian powerhouse scored 27 runs off 13 balls.
Dhawan was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ award and is being talked up as the preferred opening partner for Rohit Sharma for the upcoming 2021 ICC T-20 World Cup.
In the post-match interview, Harsha Bhogle asked Dhawan how he tackles the issue of maintaining the strike rate and not giving away his wicket and the Delhi ace replied,
“It was a conscious effort from my side (to increase SR) and I started taking more risks. I’m not afraid of changes. I’m always open towards changes and I make sure I give it a good try in the nets and then in the games. I’m not scared of getting out as well.”
The 35-year old further explained what he is working on in the nets, his mental state, and batting with the young Prithvi Shaw.
He said:
“I’ve worked on the leg-side shots, coming in the crease, using the pace of the bowler. Depends (on) who’s bowling and what plans I make for them. My slog shot has improved. It was there before as well, but now it’s more frequent. I’m very relaxed these days. I’m relaxed but also attentive. Love batting with Shaw, we made a huge impact and that was great for our team.”
Batting first, Punjab Kings put 195 on the scoreboard courtesy of a 122-run partnership between openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. The middle-order failed to capitalize on the steady foundation built by the Karnataka pair as Nicholas Pooran failed to get his score into two figures for the third consecutive match.
Deepak Hooda and Shahrukh Khan ensured a good finish but 195 wasn’t enough for Delhi who had a blistering start and maintained their run-rate throughout the run-chase completing their innings with 10 balls to spare.