KEY HIGHLIGHTS
-
Match 38 of the ongoing IPL 2020 edition saw another intense clash as the in-form KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) locked horns with table-toppers Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Tuesday (October 20).
-
KXIP were eager to retain the momentum, after back-to-back wins, whereas the DC camp were desperate to claim the playoffs-ticket with a victory up their sleeves. Opting to bat first, Iyer & Co. posted a moderate 164-5 in 20 overs.
-
While it was another poor show from Prithvi Shaw, who had started the edition on a good note but is now falling behind, Dhawan kept the innings together from his end.
-
On the other hand, Iyer looked good for his 12-ball 14, he departed just when he wanted to get a move on.
-
An inside off, trying to flick Murugan Ashwin’s delivery, saw him being caught behind smartly by his counterpart Rahul.
-
Though Dhawan continued from his end, he didn’t get the support he was looking for as Rishabh Pant and Marcus Stoinis fell early.
-
Shimron Hetmyer remained unbeaten for a 6-ball 10 but never managed to break free courtesy some tight bowling from Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and others.
-
Nonetheless, Dhawan became the first cricketer in IPL history to register back-to-back tons, his second overall, and also join the 5000-run club, spearheaded by Virat Kohli.
-
In reply, KXIP lost their in-form opener, skipper and Orange Cap holder Rahul for 15. It was a rare failure for the right-hander, who mistimed trying to take on Axar Patel in the Powerplay.
-
Despite Chris Gayle smacking Tushar Deshpande to add some quick runs, KXIP were soon reduced from 52 for 1 to 56 for 3.
Altroz Super Striker of Match 38 between @lionsdenkxip and @DelhiCapitals is Chris Gayle. @TataMotors_Cars #AltrozSuperStriker #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/7D9jmeV5sl
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 20, 2020
-
Nonetheless, KXIP’s middle-order finally stood up as Nicholas Pooran’s counterattacking 28-ball 53 along with Glenn Maxwell’s much-improved show in the middle (24-ball 32) kept Punjab alive in the run-chase.
-
Pooran took on Stoinis, Deshpande and Axar effortlessly before Kagiso Rabada spiced things up with scalps of the half-centurion and Maxwell.
Unacademy Lets Crack It Sixes of the Match award goes to Nicholas Pooran.@unacademy #LetsCrackIt #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/G5BUNYKmAN
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 20, 2020
United diagnosticss
-
However, seems like KXIP have finally found a way to calm themselves in the middle during crunch moments as Deepak Hooda and Jimmy Neesham didn’t do anything silly to take their side to an impressive 5-wicket win in Dubai.
-
With this win, KXIP not only have three wins on the trot but they have also won a game each versus the top three sides since their revival last week.
-
On the other hand, DC will have to get back to the drawing board to come back hard and claim the playoffs ticket sooner than later.
That's that from Match 38, #KXIP win by 5 wickets with one over to spare.#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/75alhy5y2k
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 20, 2020
