World Cup 2015: Shikhar 'Demolition' Dhawan Slams 2nd Ton, Rates Effort Ten-on-Ten
With two tons in World Cup 2015, Shikhar Dhawan has become the 2nd highest run-getter in the tournament. His job though is only half done.
Fortune favours the brave and when it comes to cricket, Shikhar Dhawan is quite the gallant warrior for Team India. Little wonder then that the bludgeoning left-hander made the most of the two lifelines against Ireland to smash his second century of World Cup 2015. Chasing 260, India eventually cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket win on Tuesday. (Complete coverage of World Cup 2015)
Dropped on five and 10, Dhawan's knock at Seddon Park in Hamilton was one of sheer dominance - a trait that has characterized his approach to the game. Early blemishes aside, the Delhi batsman played a confident knock peppered with sparkling shots to and over the fence. (Match report | Match highlights)
"I would rate my innings as ten on ten. I always rate myself well", he quipped after being adjudged the man-of-the-match. (Dhoni puts team before self after overtaking Ganguly's World Cup record | 'Stats don't matter, winning does')
"On a serious note, I'd say I played more creatively, I enjoyed that creativity, playing my shots and using bowlers' mind."
The bowlers were indeed left dumbfounded as Dhawan partnered Rohit Sharma (64) in a 174-run opening stand - an India record in World Cups, bettering the 63 shared by batting great Sachin Tendulkar and Ajay Jadeja against Kenya at Cuttack in 1996. Even after Rohit fell in the 24th over, there was no stopping Dhawan who has made it his mission to bat up a storm Down Under.
"I'm used to the bounce and pace and I'm enjoying my game here," said Dhawan. "I've spent lots of time to figure out my game."
The effort is clearly paying off for the 29-year-old. While the Irish doled out short and wide long-hops to make the task easier, Dhawan was almost as forceful as he was against the mighty Proteas. In fact, the two tons - one each against South Africa and Ireland - and a 73 against Pakistan has propelled the Delhi batsman to second in the list of highest run-getters in this World Cup. The seasoned war horse Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka is currently ahead with 372 runs as against Dhawan's 333.
With only Zimbabwe left to be played in the league stages, Dhawan's job is just half done. The journey from here will become even tougher. For the India opener though, it would be crucial not to let the 'Ten on Ten' rating slip by even a point because on current form, Dhawan holds the key to India's fortunes Down Under.