IPL 14: 2021 Match 11 
Delhi Capital (DC) VS Punjab Kings (PBKS) Played on 18 April 2021 

DC 198/4 in 18.2 Overs (Shikhar Dhawan 92, Prthibi Shaw 32, Marcus Stoinis 27*, Jhye Richarson 2/41) 
PBKS 195/4 in 20 Overs (Maynak Agarwall 69, KL Rahul 61, Deepok Hooda 22*) 

DC won by 6 wickets 
Player Of The Match: Shikhar Dhawan 

In a high scoring derby where Indian flamboyant batsmen shined old work horse Shikhar Dhawan playing yet another innings of excellence spearheaded 6 wicket win of DC. Batting first riding on explosive batting of Maynak Agarwal (69 in 37 balls) and KL Rahul (61in51 deliveries) PBKS posted a challenging target of 195/4. Dhawan’s explosive innings of 92 in 49 deliveries made it cake walk for DC.  The target was overhauled in 18.2 Overs. DC winning by 6 wickets moved to the 2nd place behind RCB in point’s table. 

Batting first two young Indian batsmen Rahul and Agarwal gave PBKS to a flying start sprinting to 122 in the first wicket partnership. Agarwal (69) was the aggressor of the two smashing 7 fours and 4 sixes in his 36 balls innings. Rahul played the anchor role scoring 61. However, none could exploit the foundation presented by the openers. If another partnership could be made score of 220 was also possible. PBKS could add only 73 in the last 7 overs despite having 9 wickets at hand. On a flat wicket and a small ground that score looked at least 20 runs short at innings break. 

Seasoned campaigner Shikhar Dhawan ably piloted DC response. The first wicket partnership between Dhawan and young Prthibi Shaw produced 59. Experienced Dhawan batting deep ensured that his good work did not go astray. When he got out scoring 92 in the 15th over DC was well on the course of victory. 

IPL 2021 is at early stage. Even then one must notice the wealth of talent of Indian cricket in T20 format. Indian selectors would be in the challenge of plenty while selecting the squad for ICC T20 world cup. They can even field two teams of almost equal strength it appears.  IPL has served world of good for Indian cricket. Alongside of seasoned Indian batsmen and bowlers many new talents are emerging evidencing the depth and diversity. The youngsters rubbing shoulders with the best of the best are securing future of Indian cricket in all formats. 

BDST: 1150 HRS, APR 19, 2021
SMS