DC vs PBKS Man of the Match: The senior batsman from Delhi Capitals was declared the Man of the Match for top-scoring for his team.
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During the 11th match of the ongoing 14th season of the Indian Premier League between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in Mumbai, Delhi Capitals beat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets to register their second win of the season.
Chasing a 196-run target, Capitals thrived on the back of opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan’s 44th IPL half-century which powered his team to victory in the penultimate over. Having scored 106* (61) with the help of 12 fours and three sixes in his last outing against Kings, Dhawan continued from where he left off last year.
After Delhi captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to field, Punjab had scored a formidable 195/4 in 20 overs primarily due to a 122-run opening stand between captain Lokesh Rahul (61) and batsman Mayank Agarwal (69).
Had it not been for Rahul’s strike rate of 119.60 on his 29th birthday, PBKS would’ve easily crossed the 200-run mark especially after the start they were off to. With Capitals’ bowlers coming back strongly in the second half, the likes of Lukman Meriwala, Avesh Khan, Chris Woakes and Kagiso Rabada picked a wicket apiece.
DC vs PBKS Man of the Match
Opening the batting with Prithvi Shaw (32), Dhawan had started to find the boundaries without much discomfort in the powerplay itself. In addition to Shaw’s dismissal, batsman Steven Smith not scoring briskly could’ve become a concern for Dhawan but it wasn’t to be as the southpaw dictated the terms throughout his stay in the middle.
That was classic hammering from Dhawan of the Punjab bowlers. Just mind boggling the strides he has made as an IPL batsman in the last 3 years. That too post the age of 32. Highlights his commitment to fitness and his strong mind. 🙏🙏🙏#dhawan #dcvspbks
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 18, 2021
It was on the second delivery of the 10th over that Dhawan ran a single off Punjab fast bowler Jhye Richardson to complete his 62nd T20 half-century. Dhawan, who ended up scoring 92 (49) with the help of 13 fours and two sixes, was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ tonight.
“It was a conscious effort from my side [to increase the strike rate] 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. I’ve worked on the leg-side shots, coming in the crease, using the pace of the bowler. Depends 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. If I’m not relaxed at this time, then when?! I’m relaxed but also attentive. Love batting with [Prithvi] Shaw, we made a huge impact and that was great for our team,” Dhawan told Star Sports during the post-match presentation ceremony.
