IND v SA | We can counter that pace because we practice a lot with it, says Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan has revealed that the reason behind the Indian batsmen looking at ease against the pace battery of South Africa was the hours of practice they themselves have had with that pace. Dhawan’s 31-ball 40 helped India to a seven-wicket win in the second T20I against the Proteas.
Set 150 to win on a lightning-like outfield, the visitors – led by Kagiso Rabada – came out with the intention of blowing away the Indian batters with sheer pace. However, they were met with the famed Indian top three – Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – dealing with them like pieces of cake. At least, that is how it seemed to most spectators when they saw the ease with which Rohit dismissed the deliveries from his presence for two sixes off Anrich Nortje. Soon after, an out-of-form Dhawan too joined in the party. Although Rohit fell soon after, India eventually coasted home to a comfortable victory.
“We practice a lot at that pace. We are used to it now and that's why we can counter that pace in matches. It was great to see Rohit hit those sixes and it was a great feeling for me to hit boundaries,” Dhawan said after the match, reported Cricbuzz.
Coming into the match slightly low on confidence, Dhawan grew into his innings and seemed to time the ball increasingly well. As the partnership with skipper Kohli grew, it seemed like the duo would finish the job themselves. Then, on the fourth ball of the 12th over, Dhawan stepped out to Tabraiz Shamsi and hit it flat and firm towards long-on. It looked for all money that the ball would hit the fence, but David Miller had other ideas. Diving full length, one-handed and at full pace, to his weaker right, Miller plucked the ball out of thin air.Â
“It was an unbelievable catch and Virat was thinking that as well. I was smiling and appreciated his effort. It was hit hard, it wasn't lofted, it was hit flat and I took it in my stride,” Dhawan said.
But Dhawan and India got what they wanted – an in-form opening duo. And so, the southpaw will relax and head to Bengaluru in hopes of building on yesterday’s innings.
“It was a good start for all of us. I was playing well, timing the ball well and enjoying myself. Great to get a winning start to the home season,” Dhawan said.