Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan expressed his “frustration” following the significant blow dealt by Delhi Capitals to their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2023 playoffs on Wednesday.
The defeat of 15 runs against Delhi Capitals has effectively dashed PBKS’ hopes in this season of the tournament. Dhawan attributed the loss to his own batting performance, including the decision to utilise left-arm spinner Harpeet Brar in the final over.
Delhi Capitals posted a formidable total of 213/2, surpassing the expected average score. Despite a remarkable effort from PBKS’ English batsman Liam Livingstone, who smashed a 48-ball 94 but got dismissed on the final ball, they could only manage 198/8 in their chase.
“It was frustrating, but I don’t think we bowled well in the first six overs. We should have taken some wickets the way the ball was moving around,” said Dhawan, whose bowlers allowed the out-of-form Shikhar Dhawan and Delhi Capitals skipper David Warner stitch together a 94-run partnership.
Shikhar said his decision to give the last over to left-arm spinner Brar too backfired as he ended up conceding 23 runs, including two wides.
“Even my decision to bowl a spinner (Brar) last over back-fired. And before that the fast bowlers didn’t pitch the ball up in the powerplay. That was the plan but we didn’t execute. It is hurting us.
He also indicated that his bowlers’ inability to stop the runs in powerplays could be a major factor in the team’s likely failed campaign this season.
“Every powerplay we are giving 50-60 runs and not taking wickets,” he added.
