Delhi Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan spoiled KL Rahul’s birthday by slamming 92 runs off 49 balls against Punjab Kings at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Powered by the vice-captain’s brilliance, Delhi beat Punjab by six wickets with 10 balls to spare. 

Chasing 196, Dhawan and Shaw set up a 59-run opening stand in the powerplay. Shaw (32) perished while trying to play aerial shots, but Shikhar Dhawan hung around to take the Capitals close to victory. The 35-year-old also claimed the orange cap while scoring at a strike rate of 188. Marcus Stoinis (27) went all blazing in the death overs to make the chase look like a cakewalk.

Earlier, Punjab put up 195 runs on the board after explosive cameos by Shahrukh Khan (15 runs off 5 balls) and Deepak Hooda (22 runs off 13 balls) in the death overs. The opening partnership between Mayank Agarwal (69) and KL Rahul (61) set the foundation as the Delhi bowlers looked clueless in the first 12 overs. It was only after the two departed that Delhi could lower the run rate. Gayle didn’t stay long and Pooran’s barren run just got extended.

Talking about the loss, KL Rahul said, “We have a lot of games, so hopefully, we come back stronger and win few games. I and Mayank thought 180-190 would have been great on this wicket. Shikhar batted well, so congratulations to them. When we come to Wankhede, bowling second is always a challenge. We prepare for such conditions.” 

Shikhar Dhawan spoke about the way he has worked on his strike rate and shots on the on side. “It was a conscious effort from my side. I knew I had to improve on the strike rate. Started taking more risks. Not afraid of changes, always open towards it. Not scared of getting out as well. Have worked on a few shots. My slog shot has improved a lot. It was there earlier as well, but now I play it more freely. I’m more relaxed, having played for so many years. Don’t take things for granted. Great opening with Prithvi. Happy with the way he played today and scored those 30-40 runs,” the man of the match said.