Punjab Kings (PBKS) started their IPL 2024 campaign on a winning note with their opening match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in Mullanpur on March 23, 2024.
This match also marked the return of keeper-batter Rishabh Pant to cricket after 14 months .
Shikhar Dhawan, the Punjab Kings captain, won the toss and elected to bowl first. DC got off to a strong start, with openers Mitchell Marsh (20) and David Warner (29) scoring 39 runs in 3.2 overs. But DC subsequently lost several wickets, including captain Rishabh Pant, for 18 runs.
Shai Hope scored 33 on his IPL debut, but at 137/8, it looked difficult for DC to reach the 160-run mark. But DC bought in impact player Abishek Porel, who slammed 32* in 10 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes and took the final total to 174/9 in 20 overs.
IPL 2024: WATCH- DC’s Rishabh Pant's quick-fire stumping of his PBKS counterpart Jitesh Sharma
In reply, Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow started well as the first over by Khaleel Ahmed went for 17 runs. But Ishant Sharma bowled Dhawan for 22 runs and then Jonny Bairstow was run out for 9 runs. PBKS struggled against spinners as Prabhsimran Singh (26) tried his best.
But it was Sam Curran, who made 63 in 47 balls, who bought his team back in the game. He and Liam Livingstone added 67 runs for the 5th wicket, taking PBKS closer to the target.
Though Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets in one over and brought DC back in the game, Liam Livingstone hit a six in the last over to bring victory to Punjab Kings.
He remained unbeaten on 38 with 2 fours and 3 sixes to his name. PBKS won by 4 wickets with 4 balls to spare.
Punjab Kings will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 25 in Bengaluru. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals will travel to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals on March 28.
BRIEF SCORES:
DC 174/9 (S HOPE 33, A POREL 32*; A Singh 2/28) lost to PBKS 177/6 (S CURRAN 63, L LIVINGSTONE 38*; K YADAV 2/20) by 4 wickets.
