Delhi Capitals (DC) batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant shared a match-winning stand to beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With this win, Delhi will jump up the ladder of the points table and sit with eight points.

In pursuit, Shikhar Dhawan gave Delhi Capitals a perfect start. The southpaw after struggling in the initial games has finally got going. He struck the ball and showed hints of returning to form ahead of the World Cup. Prithvi Shaw also got off to a blinder hitting two sixes but Prasidh Krishna got the better of him to draw the first blood. However, Dhawan continued his aggressive shots while skipper Shreyas Iyer looked completely out of socks and Andre Russell dismissed him. But Dhawan kept going to register 57 for the loss of two wickets at the end of the powerplays.

IPL 2019: Match 26, KKR vs DC – Twitter Erupts in Joy as Shikhar Dhawan Guides Delhi Capitals to Victory at Eden 1 — IPL

Shikhar Dhawan kept things in perspective for Delhi Capitals combining well with Rishabh Pant. While the set Dhawan went after the bowlers Pant took time and was happy to play the second fiddle. They struck the ball brilliantly to match up the asking rate. Although Pant got out, by then Delhi have already pocketed the game. Dhawan and Colin Ingram ensured Delhi Capitals home without further damage.

Previously, another heroic knock from Andre Russell helped Kolkata Knight Riders to post 178 runs at the end of 20 overs. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma provided Delhi Capitals with the best start possible. He bowled a wicket-maiden dismissing Joe Denly – the English batsman who made his debut in today’s game. Since then, Shubman Gill and Robin Uthappa staged a brilliant stand to bail their side out of danger.

IPL 2019: Match 26, KKR vs DC – Twitter Erupts in Joy as Shikhar Dhawan Guides Delhi Capitals to Victory at Eden 2 — IPL

The duo played shots all over the park to add 63 runs for the second wicket to set the tone for the batters to come. Kagiso Rabada bowled a fiery bouncer to get rid of Uthappa after a brilliant catch from Rishabh Pant. However, this didn’t deter from Shubman Gill who brought his half-century in style. But Delhi Capitals came back to the game with three quick wickets but another blinder from Andre Russell helped them post 178 runs.

Twitter Reactions:

Shikhar Dhawan's innings today isn't just a shot in the arm for #DelhiCapitals. It bodes well for India too. He needed the runs.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/Sarcasmm007/status/1116765157722427392

This is it.#KKRvDC pic.twitter.com/Nrpdazu5uh

— Shiv.. (@shiv___01) April 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/LazyElegance_45/status/1116761610222092288

https://twitter.com/Cricketer_Ji/status/1116762765882826752

No Delhi no. You are under no obligation to provide this extra entertainment at the end. Just take it home without incident #KKRvDC

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) April 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/manishnwaghela/status/1116765495443648512

Utterly disappointed, as a fan of KKR, with their performance in last few matches except against RR. Lockie Ferguson is the worst bowler KKR has ever had. Has nothing except pace. Dropping catches, mis-fielding! Come on KKR, you are two time champion team. Show some guts#KKRvDC

— Siddharth Srivastava (@iamsid_04) April 12, 2019

Dhawan has come back to form just when the Selection Day is near! #KKRvDC pic.twitter.com/PfvVi4tIAL

— Sameer Deodhar (@SameerDeodhar1) April 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/Badka__Saheb/status/1116759383709323265