Happy Birthday Shikhar Dhawan: 34-year-old's top three IPL knocks
Shikhar Dhawan or better known as the Gabbar of Indian cricket celebrates his 34th birthday today. Born in 1985 in Delhi, the left handed opener has been India’s pillar of strength in the limited overs cricket but is more widely known for his run scoring ability in ICC tournaments. He also plays for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals.
Viewed as one of the most attacking batsman that the country has ever produced. The left handed batsman has a sublime IPL record. All-inclusive, Dhawan has amassed 4,578 runs in 159 games in the IPL at an average of 33.17.
Top 3 IPL knocks of Shikhar Dhawan:
82* (57) against Mumbai Indians (IPL 2016)
Mumbai Indians won the toss and put Sunraisers Hyderabad to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner began the proceedings. Even though Warner knocked 48 off 33 balls, it was Dhawan who stole the thunder as he scored 82 runs off just 57 deliveries. The 34-year-old batted throughout the innings and smashed 10 fours and 1 maximum. In reply Mumbai Indians were bundled out for a paltry score of 92 runs in 16.3 overs and Sunrisers won the match out and out by 85 runs.
92* (50) against Delhi Daredevils (IPL 2018)
Delhi Daredevils had put up a competitive total of 187 all thanks to Rishabh Pant’s innings of 128 runs off just 63 deliveries, which included 15 fours and 7 sixes. During the chase down, Alex Hales got off early but Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan came together and played a sublime knock to guide their team to a comfortable victory. In the match Shikhar Dhawan knocked an unbeaten 92 runs off 50 deliveries, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes.
95* (57) against Kings XI Punjab (IPL 2011)
Taking the crease first, Dhawan and Ravi Teja gave the Deccan Chargers a brilliant start. Teja was dismissed for 60 runs off 41 balls but Dhawan batted till the end and scored unbeaten 95 runs off 57 balls. The left hander batted fearlessly and played some scintillating strokes. He smashed 14 fours and a six in the innings. Beating Punjab by 82 runs.
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