Jatinder Singh imitated Shikhar Dhawan’s iconic celebration

Shikhar Dhawan may not be playing for India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE, but his presence was felt by cricket fans in Al Amerat on Sunday during the tournament opener between Oman and debutants Papua New Guinea (PNG). While fielding during PNG’s innings, Oman’s Ludhiana-born hitter Jatinder Singh reenacted Dhawan’s famed ‘thigh five celebrations after taking a catch. PNG’s Assad Vala gave up a leading-edge while trying to play a shot through wide long-on, and Jatinder took the catch.

After catching the ball, Jatinder executed the ‘thigh-five,’ which reminded cricket fans of India opener Shikhar Dhawan’s celebration.

Is that Jatinder or Dhawan? 😍 pic.twitter.com/2dxxOVr56V

— Sunaina Gosh (@Sunainagosh7) October 17, 2021

On Sunday, Jatinder would go on to star for Oman as they strolled to a comfortable 10-wicket victory to start their campaign on a high note.

Jatinder produced an unbeaten 73 off 42 balls to lead Oman to victory after collecting two catches in PNG’s innings, one of which was of middle-order hitter Sese Bau.

Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood won the toss earlier in the day and chose to put PNG in to bat first.

Despite losing their openers early, PNG regained control of the game owing to Assad Vala’s 56 points and Charles Amini’s 37.

Oman, on the other hand, fought back with early wickets, with skipper Maqsood doing the bulk of the damage with scores of 4/20. Oman’s Bilal Khan and Kaleemullah each took two wickets as PNG concluded with a score of 129/9.

Jatinder and fellow opener Aqib Ilyas responded by chasing down the 130-run goal with over six overs to spare.