‘Make the opportunity count’: Ricky Ponting’s recommendation to Sarfaraz Khan

Before the beginning of the match towards Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting advised Sarfaraz Khan to ‘make the most of the opportunity.’ Sarfaraz, opening for the primary time within the IPL, didn’t disappoint Ponting as he scored a quickfire 16-ball 32 after Delhi misplaced their in-form opener, David Warner, on the very first ball of the match.

While opener David Warner continues to get pleasure from his purple patch, the second opening slot stays a explanation for concern with Mandeep Singh and Srikar Bharat failing miserably in Prithvi Shaw’s absence, who has additionally not fared nicely this season. Against Punjab, Sarfaraz opened the batting with Warner and the teenager repaid the religion put in him by the Delhi Capitals administration.

Courtesy swift bursts from Sarfaraz Khan, Delhi Capitals had scored 59 for two within the powerplay.

“Ricky Ponting told me that make this opportunity count. When we lost wicket (David Warner) on the first ball, in my mind I decided that I will continue to score runs at a brisk rate. Powerplays are very useful and can give the team the much-needed momentum, so I tried to score as many runs as possible,” Sarfaraz advised Shardul Thakur in a free-wheeling chat after the match.

That’s that from Match 64@DelhiCapitals win by 17 runs and add two essential factors to their tally.

Scorecard – https://t.co/twuPEouUzK #PBKSvDC #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/Szbwuradwo

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 16, 2022

Sarfaraz was brutal on left-arm orthodox bowler Harpreet Brar, hammering him for a most, a slog sweep and two successive boundaries, as Delhi fetched 15 runs within the third over.

“I have faced Hardpreet a lot during my time at the Punjab Kings. I knew what he is going to bowl,” mentioned the 24-year-old.

Shardul quizzed Sarfaraz on enjoying the inside track shot towards Rishi Dhawan. He replied: “I am confident of playing scoop shot. I can play other shots as well, but by playing scoop the opponents put a fine leg behind and keep mid-on and mid-off up. That’s the idea behind playing the scoop shot.”

Sarfaraz hammered 5 boundaries and a six as Delhi raced to the 50-run mark within the fifth over. But Sarfaraz’s cameo ended after he mistimed a lofted shot off Arshdeep Singh (3/37) with Chahar taking a working catch.

For his four-wicket haul and bowling figures of 4/36, @imShard is our Top Performer from the second innings.

A take a look at his bowling abstract right here 👇👇 #TATAIPL #PBKSvDC pic.twitter.com/luSvHFvnOd

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 16, 2022

Shardul: Imapct performer

Shardul Thakur (4/36) returned along with his career-best IPL figures towards Punjab Kings. Thakur eliminated Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shikhar Dhawan in a single over within the powerplay after which returned to within the dying the eliminate dangerous-looking Jitesh Sharma and Kagiso Rabada and put Punjab out of the sport.

“Whenever I play I try to create an impact. My performances are for the team. I just want to win games for my team,” mentioned Thakur.

Thakur might have bagged his maiden fifer however David Warner dropped a dolly at long-on.

“Personal milestones are important but now points table are such that we need to improve our NRR. As long as I am getting those dots and not conceding boundaries, I am happy with it,” he mentioned.

Delhi Capitals beat Punjab Kings by 17 runs to maneuver to fourth place within the factors desk with a superior web run-rate in comparison with Royal Challengers Bangalore.