Shikhar Dhawan of Punjab Kings taking a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings on Sunday, April 09, 2023. Photo Credit: Nagra Gopal
Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan blamed the batting unit for failing to adapt to the conditions after their eight-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL in Hyderabad on April 9.
Dhawan scored an unbeaten 99 off 66 balls to carry the Punjab team on his shoulders as the other batsmen cut the sorry figure after being asked to strike first.
“As a batting unit, we lost wickets one after the other and could not put together a big score on the field and because of that we lost the game. 175-180 would have been a fair score. The wicket looked good. But It was seaming and swinging,” Dhawan said at the post-match presentation.
Dhawan, who was adjudged player of the match, said on his sensational knock: “I didn’t expect to be there at the end of the day but I was playing according to the situation, still remained positive…
“Definitely it was disappointing (to see wickets fall) but it played differently to the way we thought the wicket was going to play. It was seaming and laying down at times. But it It’s a learning process for my batting unit and it’s fine.”
“I’m so very, very grateful for 99 because I never thought I’d get there so I’m very happy.”
Chasing 144, SRH won in 17.1 overs, courtesy an unbeaten 48-ball 74 by Rahul Tripathi.
Winning captain Aiden Markram described it as a “special” victory.
“It was a bit difficult for us in the beginning but we are happy to win today. I am very happy for Markande. He bowled really well tonight. He is just a few balls away from some special deliveries and he showed his class tonight ” ,
Markram scored 37 off 21 balls and he and Tripathi added 100 off 52 balls to take the team home.
“It’s easy with Rahul (Tripathi) at the other end. To be part of a great franchise and this is our first win of the season, it means a lot.”
Spinner Mayank Markande took 4 for 15 for SRH as they restricted Punjab Kings to 88 for nine in the 15th over.
Markande said, “Very happy to get the opportunity. My role is to take wickets in the middle overs. I bowled slow and luckily I got wickets. With the impact rule, you should always be ready,” Markande said.
“Chatting with Adil Rashid has helped me. During the red-ball season, I worked hard with Avishkar Salvi. I rate this performance very highly, glad to have contributed.”