Punjab Kings(PBKS) ace batter Shikhar Dhawan delivered a stellar performance against Chennai Super Kings(CSK) in the 38th match of the Indian Premier League(IPL) on Monday, April 25 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Shikhar Dhawan’s performance assists PBKS to clinch an 11-run win
PBKS posted a total of 188 for four, thanks largely to Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 110-run partnership for the second wicket. PBKS had struggled to score in the first 10 overs but the duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa changed gears in the last five after which Liam Livingstone gave them a boost in his short stay in the middle.
In reply, CSK while chasing, they were restricted to 176 for six, despite Ambati Rayudu’s counter-attacking knock of 78 off just 39 balls. Ambati Rayudu changed the momentum in CSK’ favor but he ran out of energy towards the end as he got out to a visibly tired shot.
Earlier in the innings, CSK had lost Robin Uthappa early and Mitchell Santner left after struggling to connect anything. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has looked good thus far, CSK have also been handed a big blow in the form of the dismissal of the in-form Shivam Dube. Both PBKS and CSK have been lacklustre in the first half of the league stage and are playing catch-up in the race for the top four.
MS Dhoni then came in and threatened to smash the required 27 runs off the last over but Rishi Dhawan did well to keep his nerve as PBKS restricted. For Punjab, it was Kagiso Rabada and Rishi Dhawan, who returned with a couple of wickets each.
