'Need To Stay Calm...,' Shikhar Dhawan On Punjab's Big Win Over DC
Shikhar Dhawan leads his team after a comprehensive win over DC [Image- IPLT20]
Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan was full of praise for his bowling attack- especially spinners- and centurion Prabhsimran Singh after his sides' crucial and comprehensive 31 run win over the Delhi Capitals on Saturday evening.
Chasing 168, the Capitals were flying at 0/65 thanks to rapid knocks from David Warner and Phil Salt, but things took a complete turn once Shikhar introduced his spinners into the attack.
On a pitch that was aiding sharp turn, Brar (4/30) and Rahul Chahar (2/16) ran through the DC top and middle-order.
From 0/69, the Capitals slipped to 6/88, and the match was done then and there.
That PBKS were able to post 167 on such a difficult track was solely because of a magnificent debut hundred from uncapped opener Prabhsimran Singh (103 off 65 balls).
Prabhsimran had shown glimpses of his talent earlier in the season, but on Saturday, he switched on beast mode as he smashed the Delhi attack to the tune of 6 sixes and 10 fours.
Speaking to the host broadcaster in the post-match presentation, Shikar heaped high praise on his young opening partner, besides also revealing his advice to Brar.
"The way the bowlers brought us back in the game it was amazing. All credit to our spinners and also our fast bowlers as well. It was turning from 4th over and playing that kind of knock is just incredible and amazing from Prabhsimran. That knock actually helped us reach that total. I told Harpreet to keep it slow and target the wickets and the way he stood up and took those wickets and especially getting those left-handers out was really fantastic," said Shikhar Dhawan at the post-match presentation.
This win has opened up Punjab's chances of making it to the playoffs, and while Shikhar admitted that it has given his side a lot of confidence, he cautioned his players against complacency.
"This win has brought a lot of confidence for us. We need to stay calm and not get too excited. Staying calm has helped us and need to do the job in the next couple of games," he said.
Thanks to this victory, Punjab have moved to the 6th spot in the points table. They will now host Delhi in a return fixture on May 17.