IPL 2024 (Match 2) – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a thrilling four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals at the newly inaugurated Mullanpur stadium. The match was particularly notable for Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket, which ultimately saw Punjab Kings spoiling his comeback.
The Delhi Capitals, batting first, seemed constrained at 137 for 7 by the 18th over until Impact Player Abishek Porel turned the tide. Smashing an impressive 32 off just ten balls, Porel propelled the Capitals to a respectable total of 174 for 9. However, the decision to bring in Porel meant the Capitals were a bowler short, a situation further complicated by Ishant Sharma’s ankle injury after bowling just two overs.
Punjab Kings’ chase began with Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow setting a positive tone, although both were dismissed in the fourth over. Kuldeep Yadav’s twin strikes kept the Capitals in the hunt until Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone took charge, forging a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Curran’s impressive 63 off 47 balls and Livingstone’s match-finishing six ensured Kings crossed the line with four balls to spare.
The match started on a high note for the Capitals with openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh giving them a rapid start. Marsh’s aggressive 20 off 12 balls and Warner’s 29 off 21 balls too Delhi Capitals to 54 for 1 at the end of the powerplay to set a promising pace. However, Punjab Kings’ bowlers, led by Harshal Patel, managed to claw back, claiming vital wickets including that of Warner, caught behind off a slower bouncer.
Pant, returning after a 15-month hiatus, received a warm welcome but could only contribute 18 runs before being dismissed by Patel. The Capitals’ innings faced further setbacks as Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar picked up crucial wickets, leaving them struggling at 137 for 7 before Porel’s late heroics.
Despite early losses, Kings’ chase was characterized by resilience. After Dhawan and Bairstow’s initial burst, and despite Ishant’s injury setback for the Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav’s economical spell of 2 for 21 kept the match balanced. Yet, Curran and Livingstone’s partnership turned the game in Kings’ favor, despite a late challenge from the Capitals’ bowlers.
Marsh’s expensive overs and Warner’s dropped catch in the 19th over added to the Capitals’ woes, leaving them unable to defend their total in the final over against a determined Livingstone.
Punjab Kings’ victory was a collective effort marked by crucial performances, especially by their impact players and the resilience shown by their middle order. For Delhi Capitals, the match was a story of what could have been, especially with Pant’s return and Porel’s explosive cameo. However, injuries and strategic decisions during the game left them just short, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2024 season ahead.
Chief Scores:
DC 174 for 9 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 33, Abishek Porel 32 not out, Arshdeep Singh 2 for 28, Harshal Patel 2 for 47)
PK 177 for 6 in 19.2 overs ( Sam Curran 63, Liam Livingstone 38 not out, Kuldeep Yadav 2 for 20, Khaleel Ahmed 2 for 43)
Player of the Match – Sam Curran
