Shikhar Dhawan created a record as he became the first ever player to score back-to-back IPL centuries when he slammed an unbeaten 106 against Kings XI Punjab at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The in-form opening batsman achieved the feat during the 38th game of the thirteenth edition of Dream11 Indian Premier League.
The 34-year-old southpaw took 57 balls to reach the landmark. He carried his bat once again to finish with undefeated 106 off 61 deliveries. ‘The Gabbar’ belted 12 fours and three towering sixes to mid-wicket fence to help Delhi Capitals post a challenging total of 164 for 5.
Before this match, Dhawan had scored a century against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Dhawan also joined IPL’s 5000-run club, which already has Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and David Warner.
Dhawan started slowly in this season but found his form as the tournament progressed. Before that he struck 57 against Rajasthan Royals and an unbeaten 69 against defending champions Mumbai Indians.
Dhawan had two fruitful partnerships after the early dismissale of his fellow opener Prithvi Shaw (7). Dhawan added 47 runs for the second wicket with Shreyas Iyer (14), who won the toss and opted to bat. He then stitched together another useful stand with Rishabh Pant (14) for the third wicket.
Shimron Hetmyer contributed 10 off six balls towards the end.
Mohammed Shami, who bowled a brilliant over in the Super Over against Mumbai Indians in the previous outing, continued his fine form with the ball to claim 2 for 28. James Neesham, Glenn Maxwell and Murugan Ashwin chipped in with a wicket each.
Brief scores
Delhi Capitals 164 for 5 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 106 not out, Shreyas Iyer 14, Rishabh Pant 14, Shimron Hetmyer 10; Mohammed Shami 2-28, James Neesham 1-17, Glenn Maxwell 1-31, Murugan Ashwin 1-33) vs Kings XI Punjab.
Courtesy: orangecitysports.com
