Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone emerged as the standout performers with the bat as Punjab Kings launched their 2024 campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a resounding victory over Delhi Capitals at their newly christened home ground, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
The clash between these two North Indian teams proved to be a gripping encounter, with Punjab Kings maintaining their edge throughout, especially after Delhi Capitals' Ishant Sharma sustained a right ankle injury while fielding. This setback severely impacted DC's bowling attack, except for the impressive performance by Kuldeep Yadav, while missed catches only compounded their woes.
Curran showcased his batting prowess by notching up 63 runs, while Livingstone remained unbeaten on 38 as Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare, reaching a total of 177/6 in 19.2 overs after restricting Delhi Capitals to 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
In pursuit of 175 runs, Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow got off to a flying start, smashing two boundaries each in the opening over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed. However, Ishant Sharma, despite starting with three wides, struck back by dismissing Dhawan with a well-directed delivery that disturbed the stumps.
Although Prabhsimran Singh showed promise with a couple of boundaries, Bairstow fell victim to a run-out at the non-striker's end, courtesy of a deflection from Ishant. Prabhsimran continued to impress with his strokeplay, hitting two exquisite boundaries off Khaleel.
Delhi Capitals faced a setback when Ishant left the field due to his ankle injury. The partnership between Prabhsimran and Curran was broken by Kuldeep Yadav, who induced a false shot from Prabhsimran, resulting in a catch at long-on.
Jitesh Sharma fell victim to Pant's stumping off Kuldeep Yadav's bowling, further denting Delhi Capitals' hopes. Curran was handed a lifeline when Tristan Stubbs grassed a catch at long-on off Kuldeep's bowling.
Curran capitalized on this opportunity by unleashing boundaries against Marsh, with Livingstone adding to the onslaught with a massive six. Curran reached his fifty off 38 balls, while Livingstone contributed with a flurry of boundaries off Khaleel.
Despite Khaleel dismissing Curran with a well-executed slower ball, Punjab Kings remained on course for victory. Livingstone sealed the win in style with a towering six over mid-wicket, ensuring a victorious start to Punjab Kings' IPL campaign.
Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 174/9 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 33, Abishek Porel 32 not out; Arshdeep Singh 2-28, Harshal Patel 2-46)
Punjab Kings 177/6 in 19.2 overs (Sam Curran 63, Liam Livingstone 38 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 2-20, Khaleel Ahmed 2-43)
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