Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan showered praise on Sam Curran after their four-wicket win against Delhi Capitals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Saturday.
While chasing 175, Curran scored a crucial knock of 63 runs off just 47 balls with the help of six fours and one six. The left-hander added crucial alliances with Prabhsimran Singh (42) and Liam Livingstone (67) to get his team home.
Livingstone also added the finishing touches for Punjab Kings as the right-hander scored an unbeaten knock of 38 runs off just 21 balls.
Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently out of the Indian team, added he was happy to return to action at the top level.
Dhawan was bowled by his former Delhi teammate Ishant Sharma in the Powerplay overs after scoring 22 runs off just 16 balls.
Dhawan said in the post-match presentation, “It feels great, I was happy to be on the ground. After the last IPL, I’m playing such a high competitive cricket, I was a bit nervous. [on the chat at the innings break] That time I did not chat with anyone as I was supposed to go for batting. The bowlers need their space, so we will chat tomorrow and learn and get better.”
On the other hand, PBKS had DC under the cosh at 138-7 after 17.1 but Abishek Porel, the impact sub, scored a fine cameo of 10-ball 32 to take his team to a fighting score of 174 runs. Dhawan admitted they conceded a few extra runs in the end and expects his bowlers to pull up their socks.
Dhawan added, “We leaked a few extra runs, of course first match of the season and nerves are there. I feel under lights the wicket got better and Sam played an amazing innings and Livi finished it off. I didn’t know much records here, it’s a new ground. Did not focus much. We practiced in the day and under lights as well. Wanted the other team to use their brains on how to go here.”
Punjab Kings will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday.
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