IPL 2023: Confident Shikhar Dhawan looks to continue with the momentum for Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings started their IPL 2023 campaign with a win over Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 runs (DLS method)

Strong on paper Punjab Kings proved strong on field as well against Kolkata Knight Riders. Punjab began their IPL 2023 campaign with a 7 run win (DLS method) over KKR at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Rain played spoilsport as a result at the end. KKR were chasing 192 and required 46 runs off their last 4 overs when rain came down heavily in Mohali. They were 7 runs behind on DLS method when umpires decided to call for covers. Punjab under new captain Shikar Dhawan looked in complete control while defending their 191 run score.

Happy Dhawan is a key for Punjab Kings this season

Captain Dhawan (40) along with Sri Lankan firepower Bhanuka Rajapaksha (50) laid the foundation for PBKS big score. Both these guys added 86 runs in 54 deliveries. Dhawan after the win was happy and looked confident for the upcoming games in the league. Captain Dhawan talked about keeping the momentum forward in the upcoming games. Dhawan also looked confident about PBKS Bowling options. He used & rotated his bowlers strategically.

Talking about his leadership role he said, “It is very important for us and me and we are living a dream. When we are relaxed we make the most impact and that is why I have created a happy atmosphere in the dugout”.

While on the other hand, KKR struggled to gain any momentum in their chase. Arshdeep Singh with his usual movement and rhythm sent tremors among KKR batters.

Captain Nitish Rana did not look quite happy with the team's batting performance.

He said, “They (Punjab) batted better than us and they judged the wicket better than us”.

Nitish also expressed that the team and he will learn from this game and come nicely against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 6th April.

Arshdeep's unpredictability kept KKR out of the chase

Pace bowler Arshdeep Singh played a vital role in keeping KKR out of chasing 192. Arshdeep with his figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs was adjudged Player of the match. Arshdeep varied his length and pace on most occasions to trouble the batters.

He said, “In T20 when the wicket is good, you need not to be predictable and keep changing your length and pace. This is something which I did and came in handy”. Punjab look like a dominating side this season. 

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