IPL 2021 served another exciting game for cricket fans all around the world on Sunday as Delhi Capitals successfully chased a massive target of 196 against Punjab Kings with absolute ease. With the incessant hitting by the opening duo, Delhi was able to maintain their run rate stably throughout the end, reaching the target with 10 more balls to go.
Although Punjab Kings too displayed a stunning performance with the bat, the DC batters managed to get the better of the Punjab bowlers with the likes of Shami, Richardson, and Meredith being whitewashed thoroughly. Regardless of the final result, here are a few of the takeaways from the exciting match that are also worth considering.
Rahul and Mayank put on a show, but in vain
Despite a formidable partnership of 122 runs in 12.4 overs by the Punjab Kings duo KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, the franchise fell of 5 runs to reach the 200 mark. Since Gayle and Pooran were proved ineffective, the foundation of the PBKS’ total heavily relied on the openers’ contribution, with Shahrukh Khan and Deepak Hooda taking the score as high as 195.
Though Mayank Agarwal always kept a consistent pace while hitting the ball, Rahul on the other hand played at a poorer strike rate. Agarwal scored 69 off 36 balls while Rahul scored 61 off 51 balls with a very conservative approach to the game. Had the Punjab skipper started off with his usual way of hitting, Punjab could have scored more than 200 runs with ease. Punjab will have to rethink Rahul’s approach in IPL 2021 to avoid such scenarios.
Dhawan shows why he’s irreplaceable as an opener
Delhi Capitals began their innings with a requirement of almost 10 runs per over and fortunately, succeeded in maintaining the run rate due to a remarkable start by the openers. Just like the Punjab side, Delhi too displayed magnificent batting prowess, with Marcus Stoinis finishing the job by hitting a four.
Besides the overall DC performance, Shikhar Dhawan’s majestic 92 off just 49 balls showed by he should be the number one choice as an opener not only for Delhi Capitals but also for the Indian National team. He has been more consistent than ever before, scoring fifties and taking his team to a competitive total with absolute ease. The match-winning performance not only won him the player of the match award but also made him the current Orange Cap holder.
Bowling at Wankhede in the second innings causing trouble
Winning the toss and opting to field first was a clever decision by Pant, keeping in mind the difficulties that are faced whilst bowling in the second half of the game. Dew is a big-time problem for the bowlers, especially for the spinners for whom gripping the ball becomes an issue. In the match itself, Jalaj Saxena saw the ball slipping through his hand on numerous occasions when he was brought into the attack.
Rahul was not happy with the stadium conditions, as it got wetter with every stroke. The experienced bowlers too failed to maintain proper line and length as they were unable to stop the aggressive DC side. Rahul suggested that the ball be changed after every two over, adding: “I’m not just saying that because I’m on the losing side. I did ask the umpires to change the ball a couple of times but that’s not in the rules.”