The 38th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 witnessed an enthralling clash between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, October 30.
DC captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first after winning the toss. Opener Prithvi Shaw, who was under pressure after registering scores of 4,0,0, continued his dismal form. He consumed 11 deliveries for his 7 runs.
Iyer (14 off 12) tried to steady DC’s ship but his knock was curtailed by Murugan Ashwin (1/33) in the ninth over. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (14 off 20) appeared rusty after coming back from injury. Glenn Maxwell (1/31) managed to end Pant’s misery in the middle with a smart dismissal.
Moreover, it was a one-man show for the Capitals were Shikhar Dhawan (106* off 61) single-handedly took the score to a competitive 164-5. The flambouyant stroke maker entertained the spectators with 12 hits to the fence and three over it.
The dashing southpaw also became the first batsman to score consecutive tons in the IPL, following his 101* against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Sharjah on Saturday. During the knock, Dhawan became the fifth batsman in IPL history to cross the 5000 run mark.
For KXIP, Mohammad Shami (2/28) was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped the prized wickets of Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer. The two overseas cricketers for DC looked to free their shoulders before Shami sent them back to the dugout.
KXIP, who were coming off two consecutive victories in the must-win game, had the uphill task of chasing down 165 against the best bowling attack in the competition. DC’s pace battery was replenished with the inclusion of Daniel Sams, who was swapped in place of Anrich Nortje.
Facing the new ball, Orange Cap holder KL Rahul (15 off 11) did not trouble the DC bowling attack. After a watchful start, the early impetus was provided by Chris Gayle (29 off 13), who dispatched rookie Tushar Deshpande for 26 runs in the fifth over. This is now the most expensive over bowled in IPL 2020 during the powerplay, thus far.
However, Ravichandran Ashwin (1/27) turned the tide in favour of the Capitals, after castling Gayle in the subsequent over. Three deliveries later, Mayank Agarwal (5 off 9) and Nicholas Pooran were involved in a run-out, which brought the table-toppers back in the game.
Pooran (53 off 28) made amends for his error with a brilliant half-century. The West Indies’ hitter smashed six fours and three sixes during his blistering knock.
The Punjab batsman displayed great intent throughout the innings, with Maxwell (32 off 24) providing ample support from the other end.
As a result, it turned out to be a cake-walk for KXIP who achieved the target with five wickets in hand and an over to spare. The win is now third on the trot for Anil Kumble’s men, who increased their chances to end up in the Playoffs.
Shikhar Dhawan walked away with the ‘Player of the Match’ title for his stellar show with the bat.
Brief Scores:
KXIP – 167/5 Pooran 53(28), Maxwell 32(22), Rabada (2/27)
DC – 164/5 Dhawan 106*(61), Shami (2/82)
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