The second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 promises fireworks as Punjab Kings (PBKS) clash with Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, March 23 at 3:30 PM IST.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2023, Punjab Kings will hope for a better season. While captain Shikhar Dhawan (373 runs) and youngster Prabhsimran Singh (358 runs) provided strong starts, and Jitesh Sharma (309 runs) offered finishing power, the team’s middle order faltered. With a strong lineup of international T20 stars like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, and Sam Curran, PBKS will hope for a better season with the bat. Arshdeep Singh (highest wicket-taker for Punjab last year with 17) with Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, and Harshal Patel bolster the pace attack for Punjab. However, a lack of depth in spin bowling remains a concern. Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar are their main spin options for the season.
Delhi Capitals, who finished just a spot below PBKS in IPL 2023, welcome back Rishabh Pant as their captain. Despite possessing strong batting and bowling departments on paper, DC struggled for consistency last season. David Warner was the lone warrior with 516 runs in 14 innings, while Axar Patel, surprisingly, emerged as their second-highest run-scorer with 283 runs. Prithvi Shaw and Mitchell Marsh will be expected to deliver at the top of the order after a forgettable campaign in 2023. DC boast a potent pace attack featuring Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, and Jhye Richardson. This firepower is further complemented by what might be the tournament’s second-best spin duo – Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav – who combined for 21 wickets last season.
Head-to-head:
Historically, the rivalry between DC and PBKS has been tightly contested. In their 32 head-to-head encounters, both teams have emerged victorious on 16 occasions each. This match promises to be another close battle.
Where-to-watch:
TV: Star Sports Network
OTT: JioCinema