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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals: Battle of top-order batsmen

For any bowling unit, facing the Dhawan-Shaw duo is a scary proposition

Our Bureau & Agencies Calcutta, Ahmedabad Published 02.05.21, 02:40 AM
Punjab Kings spinners Harpreet Brar.

Punjab Kings spinners Harpreet Brar. File photo

Young Punjab Kings spinners Harpreet Brar and Ravi Bishnoi wouldn’t mind another dream day in the office against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, aiming to take a giant leap forward in their bid for a play-offs berth.

Brar’s match-winning 3/19 was complemented by Bishnoi’s 2/19 as their combined haul of 5/36 in eight overs decimated a star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday.

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Come Sunday, the duo will face a tougher task against the Capitals which has a slightly better record against spin attacks with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw in imperious form.

Dhawan (311 runs) and Shaw (269 runs) have provided flying starts with five half-centuries between them along with 71 fours and 15 sixes.

For any bowling unit, facing the Dhawan-Shaw duo is a scary proposition. Even Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant are fantastic players when it comes to tackling the slow bowlers.

In fact, Bishnoi, who primarily bowls the googly, will like to challenge the Capitals skipper, who has a knack of hitting against the spin over deep mid-wicket region.

The Motera stadium track has shown that balls tend to grip and batting becomes difficult as the game progresses. It won’t be, therefore, surprising if the in-form KL Rahul wants to bat first again.

For the Capitals, there is a chance of veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra making a comeback into the playing XI after Bishnoi’s success in the past few games. In case Mishra gets the nod, Lalit Yadav will have to make way for him.

It will be a battle of top-order batsmen where Rahul’s finesse will be countered by Shaw’s exuberance while Chris Gayle will try to overpower Pant’s pyrotechnics with his own marauding style.

“We are performing very well as a team this season. We have won five out of seven matches, so we are in a pretty good position at the moment. The good thing is that the entire team is doing well, and we are not depending on any one individual. We have a strong side,” said Dhawan.

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