Prithvi Shaw brought up his 50 off just 18 balls and his 41-ball 82 was enough to bury KKR's hopes of a third win.
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Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Prithvi Shaw has stated that he knew where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast-bowler Shivam Mavi will be bowling, having played with him for four-five years. Shaw smashed six consecutive boundaries off the first over of the Delhi-based franchise’s chase, bowled by Mavi. The 21-year-old helped DC post the highest score at the end of the powerplay (67/0), in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. He finished with a tally of 82 runs off 41 deliveries, in an innings comprising of 11 boundaries and three sixes. Shaw smashed the fastest half-century of IPL 2021 off 18 deliveries, marking the joint second-fastest 50 for the Delhi-based franchise.
“Wasn’t thinking anything to be honest. Was just waiting for the loose balls. We’ve played for four-five years now (with Mavi), so I knew where he will bowl to me. I was prepared (for the short ball),” said the 21-year-old in the post-match presentation ceremony as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The DC opener further elaborated by stating that although his knock made the conditions seem easy for batting, it was certainly not the case with the ball not coming nicely onto the bat.
“The first four-five balls he bowled were half-volleys so I was prepared for the short ball but unfortunately he didn’t bowl. On this wicket especially when the spinner is bowling it wasn’t coming very nicely onto the bat. Was stopping a little. Was waiting for them to bowl at me on off stump or outside so I can free my hands,” he added.
Shaw discussed his below-par performance in the tour of Australia, with a special mention for the support from his father.
“When I’m in there, I keep playing and don’t think about the score. Don’t think about myself, just want the team to win. No we haven’t spoken yet (with Sehwag) but if I chance I’d like to because he’s the one who likes to score off the first ball. My dad has supported very well. After getting back from Australia, I wasn’t happy with myself. My dad just asked me to play my natural game. All these words set a target on me and I worked hard,” he concluded.
