In the second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by four wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and opted to field first. The side, after conceding a lot of runs in the first few overs, showcased a brilliant bit of bowling until the last over. Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, and Arshdeep Singh all took wickets at regular intervals, helping PBKS keep the visitors to 174/9 in 20 overs.
In the chase, Dhawan (22) opened the chase in a really exciting fashion by hitting four fours. Jonny Bairstow (9) struck two boundaries off the first two balls he faced but was out on the third one. Sam Curran (63) took command of the contest, scoring an incredible half-century in just 47 deliveries. Though his knock only consisted of one six and six fours, his knock was memorable as he steadily steered the side to victory. Prabhsimran Singh (26) was the aggressor from one end and with him, Liam Livingstone (38*) also joined the party, hitting three sixes and two fours to propel the team across the finish line.
In the first inning with the bat, David Warner (29) and Mitchell Marsh (20) provided a gentle start to the inning, but couldn’t take it deep. Shai Hope (33) looked promising for DC with clear shots of the blade. Making his return to the field, skipper Rishabh Pant (18) looked in great touch but didn’t have much luck with the bat. It was Abhishek Porel (32) who struck 25 runs off the last over, which took DC to a respectable total.
For Punjab with the ball, Arshdeep and Harshal scalped two wickets. With them, one wicket each was also taken by Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, and Rahul Chahar.
Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed plucked two wickets each for DC, while Ishant Sharma got one wicket too.
For his electrifying batting show, Sam Curran was adjudged Player of the Match. Following this win, PBKS have registered their first two points of the season.
Scorecard:
Delhi Capitals: 174/9, Overs 20, Shai Hope 33, Arshdeep Singh 2/28
Punjab Kings: 177/6, Overs 19.2, Sam Curran 63, Kuldeep Yadav 2/20