‘Shashank and Ashutosh played great knocks’ - Shikhar Dhawan heaps praise on PBKS’ valiant effort against SRH

The recent clash between Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 23rd game of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 was nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Both sides locked horns at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 9. 

The clash saw SRH post a total of 182 runs in the first innings of the game. As the hosts came out to chase the total, the side found itself in a spot of trouble as the first three batters departed in the powerplay itself. 

Jonny Bairstow departed for a duck, with Shikhar Dhawan scoring 14 and Prabhsimran Singh adding just four runs on the board. However, it was the resilience of the middle order that brought Punjab within touching distance of a win. 

Shashank Singh stayed unbeaten on a score of 46 runs in 25 deliveries, with Ashutosh Sharma scoring 33* runs in 15 balls. Ashutosh scored 27 runs in the final over of the game, but fell short of the target by three runs as SRH won the game by two runs. 

After the clash, skipper Shikhar Dhawan came forward to laud the performances of both Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma for their valiant efforts with the bat in the second innings. 

"Shashank and Ashutosh played great knocks. I feel that we kept them to a good total. Unfortunately, we could not cash in on the first six overs and that is where we lost the game. That pinched us hard. The wicket was not offering that much bounce so every individual has to come up with better plans. Because we got out, of course we would want to change our strokes,” Dhawan said in the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Furthermore, Dhawan also highlighted how Punjab failed to perform in the batting unit, and with the likes of Ashutosh and Shashank performing in the middle order, it is important for the top-order to perform to the peak of their abilities as well. 

"As a batting unit, we did not perform. It is important for the top order to perform. (On Ashutosh and Shashank) It is great to see those youngsters coming in and chipping in. We are going to bounce back from this loss. There was always the hope that they could finish the game. Hats off to them that they brought it this close. It gives us confidence and hope for the next game. We have to do better in certain areas and improve," Dhawan added.