Nidahas Trophy 2018: Powerplay made the difference, reckons Shikhar Dhawan

Star from the tournament opener of the Nidahas Trophy, Shikhar Dhawan reckons efforts during the powerplay from both teams ended up as the matchwinning difference.

After losing a couple of priced wickets up front, India was circumspect during the powerplays. Both Manish Pandey and Dhawan had to consolidate early on to launch an attack at the backend.

On the contrary, Sri Lanka started off firing all cylinders with the efforts of the man of the match Kusal Perera. Dhanushka Gunathilaka well supported him during the first six overs.

India could only amass 40 runs during their powerplay, whereas the hosts managed to shave off 75 from the 175 run-target.

“It was in the first six overs that they took the game away from us. After the first six overs even they weren’t hitting the ball that frequently – it wasn’t like ten an over against the spinners in the middle overs. That’s because the wicket was a little slow,” suggested Shikhar Dhawan during the post-match presentation.

The highlight of the inning came during the first over of Shardul Thakur’s spell where he conceded a record 27 runs. Perera took apart the inexperienced Thakur for five boundaries and a six in a single over.

“The way Kushal scored that 27 runs in that over, they were 75 after six overs, that made the difference,” mentioned Dhawan who scored a fluent 49-ball 90 in vain.

Day of Pereras for Lanka

Perera, displaying glimpses of Jayasuriya, laid a solid chase for the hosts with his 39-ball 66, before the other Perera, Thisara, took his team past the finishing line with his 10-ball 22.

“They took two wickets in the first two overs, and that did the damage. We could have been more aggressive if we wouldn’t have lost wickets. We had to ensure we don’t lose any more wickets and also score runs,” added the southpaw.

However, Dhawan continued his majestic form from the South African tour where he amassed 466 runs across the two formats in nine games.

“I have been playing very aggressive at the start, I know my game, and that’s how I have been playing. I have been scoring runs at a quick pace,” concluded Shikhar Dhawan.

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