IPL 2021: DC vs PBKS Review – Dhawan’s 92 sets the tone for cakewalk chase

Shikhar Dhawan’s blazing 92 helped Delhi Capitals beat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Having been set a target of 196 runs by Punjab, Delhi were in total control with the bat chasing the total in the 19th over.

Punjab get off to a flyer

Earlier, Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to field first. Punjab captain KL Rahul and opener Mayank Agarwal gave them a brilliant start with Mayank playing the role of an aggressor. Rahul at the other end anchored the innings with some calculative stroke-play. The first-wicket stand yielded 122 runs from 12.4 overs, before Agarwal was dismissed. He scored 69 runs off 36 balls. On the other end, his captain was dismissed for a well-made 51-ball 61. Deepak Hooda’s 13-ball 22 and Shahrukh Khan’s 15 runs off five balls helped Punjab finish on a high in the end.

Dhawan brings his A game

Prithvi Shaw and Dhawan started off the chase with a flurry of boundaries, taking the attack to the Punjab Kings bowlers. As the dew kept coming, it became more and more difficult for the bowlers. Shaw was dismissed for 32 off 17 balls, as his opening stand with Dhawan contributed 59 runs. The left-hander then kept milking the bowlers all across the ground. He made 92 after which Marcus Stoinis finished off the chase for Delhi with his 13-ball 27. Delhi won with 10 balls to spare making sure their net run rate was under control.

Top performers

Mayank Agarwal: The right-hander of Punjab created a serious impact on the game. While KL was finding it difficult to score quickly, Agarwal at the other end was making sure that the runs kept coming Punjab’s way. His knock of 69 runs came at a strike rate of 191.67, exactly what Punjab needed.

Shikhar Dhawan: The southpaw showed his class during his knock of 85 just a few days ago against Chennai. Once again, as Delhi was chasing a huge target, Dhawan ensured that there were no hiccups. His knock of 92 off just 49 balls completely took the match away from Punjab’s reach. He counter attacked enough that the required rate was always under control.

Personal records/Achievements

• Shikhar Dhawan now holds the record for the most 50+ scores among Indians with 45 such scores
• The 122-run opening stand between KL Rahul-Mayank Agarwal is the 5th best for Punjab Kings

Way ahead

Delhi will now play Mumbai Indians on April 20 while Punjab’s next clash is against SunRisers Hyderabad on April 21.