Punjab Kings are chasing down a huge target of 206 after RCB thrashed their bowlers in the first innings at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Punjab Kings started off very good as both the openers Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan gave an explosive start and they were 63/0 in the first six overs. Harshal Patel dismissed Shikhar which was an important wicket for them to get back in this game. Shikhar Dhawan played a mature inning as it was his first game in a red jersey. After Shikhar, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj and it lifted up RCB.
The chase was looking perfect as the openers kept on playing some amazing shots to keep the run rate maintained. After skipper Mayank was dismissed by spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga in his very first ball, Shikhar helped the team run at the pace they required.
It was an important game for Shikhar and a fifty would have given him more confidence further in the tournament. It was not a very great day for Punjab Kings’ bowlers as they let RCB score this huge run and couldn’t stop their new captain Faf du Plessis who was the top scorer in the first innings with his explosive 88 runs inning. Later on, former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik smashed 3 sixes and 3 fours to help the team go past 200 runs. The chase will not be easy for Punjab Kings but with the way they are smashing the ball everywhere in the ground, it seems they can emerge as winners in this game.