Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shikhar Dhawan opened up about the win his side registered over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He admitted that they leaked a few runs in the end but he is optimistic about his team learning as the season progresses.
Punjab Kings started the IPL 2024 on a high note as they thrashed Delhi Capitals by 4 wickets. It was a collective effort from the Shikhar Dhawan & Co. as they batted and bowled magnificently well, making sure they gave their home crowd everything to cheer.
Opting to field first, Punjab Kings kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals and put Delhi Capitals under immense pressure. They had the opposition reduced to 128/6 and it seemed that they would restrict the opposition to under 150 runs on the board.
But Punjab failed to finish on high. Harshal Patel was taken for 25 runs in the last over by young Abishek Porel. Delhi Capitals ended with a total of 174 runs on the board, which at one moment didn’t seem possible, especially with them losing early wickets.
Shikhar Dhawan then started off the chase pretty well as he racked up quick-fire 22 runs. After his wicket, Prabhsimran Singh (26) played a vital hand. Punjab Kings lost wickets in quick succession and came under pressure as they left tottering at 100/4.
Sam Curran (63) slammed a brilliant half-century whereas Liam Livingstone (38*) supported him well as the duo added 67 runs. Based on their staggering effort with the bat, Punjab Kings won the game by four wickets to bag important two points.
Shikhar Dhawan expressed his feelings about playing the game after a while, saying that he was nervous. He also revealed that he didn’t want to have a chat with his team because he wanted to give them time. The PBKS skipper also lauded the efforts of Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran. Speaking to broadcasters, he explained:
“It feels great, I was happy to be on the ground. After the last IPL, I’m playing such a high competitive cricket, I was a bit nervous. [on the chat at the innings break] That time I did not chat with anyone as I was supposed to go for batting.
“The bowlers need their space, so we will chat tomorrow and learn and get better. We leaked a few extra runs, of course first match of the season, and nerves are there. I feel under lights the wicket got better and Sam played an amazing innings and Livi finished it off.”
Wanted the other team to use their brains on how to go here – Shikhar Dhawan on his decision to field first
The match between the two teams took place at the newly built at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. It was the first match that was played there and no one had any idea of the pitch.
Shikhar Dhawan admitted that he didn’t know much about the pitch and wanted the opposition team to use their brains on how to go there. He added:
“I didn’t know much records here, it’s a new ground. Did not focus much. We practiced in the day and under lights as well. Wanted the other team to use their brains on how to go here.”
Shikhar Dhawan will be next seen in action when Punjab Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday (25th March).
