New Delhi: A twirl of moustache or the extension of the arms after completing a milestone – two gestures that cricket fans around the globe associate Shikhar Dhawn with. That is soon to be changed after Sunday’s India-Sri Lanka match.
The stylish left hander, who scored his third Champions Trophy hundred, showed off some great moves at the Kennigton Oval. It was the 30th over of the Indian innings when Dhawan got the crowd going with some nimble footwork, not against the spinners but while returning to the crease.
Dhawan got off the blocks in search of a single immediately after a backfoot defense off Thisara Perera. Yuvraj at the other end rightly sent him back seeing the ball hovering around the pitch. Dhawan, who would have reached home safely decided to have some fun with Perera. Like his square drives past point, he showed a flawless dance move before getting back to the crease.
Dhawan’s superb 125-run knock propelled India to 321 for 6, which in the end was not enough thanks to a spirited run-chase by the Sri Lankan side. Sri Lanka’s 7-wicket victory meant the race to semifinal is wide open with all four teams in Group B standing an equal chance.