Rishabh Pant had high hopes for a successful comeback, but English all-rounder Sam Curran’s powerful batting led Punjab Kings to a thrilling four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the opening match of the IPL season.

Mitchell Marsh and David Warner started well but were not able to continue…

In the beginning, Punjab faced intense pressure from the Australian opening duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Warner scored 29 runs from 21 balls, while Marsh added 20 runs from 12 deliveries with some impressive boundary shots.

Marsh took advantage of a loose delivery from Sam Curran, hitting the day’s first boundary. He continued his momentum by sending Curran to the boundary again, setting up a strong start for Delhi Capitals.

Warner also showcased his aggressive play, hitting a six off left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and then finding the boundary through the cover-point area.

Pant admitted that he was nervous, that effect his performance but get huge support

In his comeback match, Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant scored 18 runs before being dismissed by Harshal Patel. Although he managed to hit a boundary during his innings, Pant seemed a bit out of touch. Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel both took two wickets each, but Patel faced a tough final over, conceding 25 runs.

Harshal Patel made an impactful start by getting David Warner out in his first over, which brought Rishabh Pant to the crease amidst cheers from the crowd. Pant, who had recovered remarkably from a car accident in December 2022, showed some promise by hitting a couple of boundaries but eventually fell to Harshal Patel in a dismissal that seemed relatively easy.

See Also: Glimpse of classic Rishabh Pant in IPL 2024; fans get emotional

Sam Curran turn the match

Sam Curran was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive half-century performance, which he credited as a great way to kick off the tournament on their new home ground. Expressing his delight, Curran highlighted the challenge of facing world-class Indian bowlers but emphasized their strategy to take the game deep. He also cherished the opportunity to bat alongside his close friend Liam Livingstone, acknowledging their partnership as something special.

The left-handed batsman further commended Curran’s knock of 63 runs and Livingstone’s unbeaten 38 for successfully fulfilling their roles and contributing to the team’s victory.

Despite Rishabh Pant’s return and efforts, Sam Curran’s exceptional performance led Punjab Kings to a thrilling victory over Delhi Capitals in the IPL season opener. Pant may not continue for long but he wins the heart of everyone. With notable contributions from players like Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel, Punjab emerged victorious in a closely contested match.

If fairy tales were real, Rishabh Pant’s return to cricket would have been a storybook comeback. But reality often surpasses fiction, especially regarding the resilience of individuals facing adversity. Rishabh Pant’s journey back to the cricket field is extraordinary. Just a couple of years ago, he found himself in a life-threatening situation, with a knee at a right angle, trapped inside a crumpled car, battling excruciating pain. However, Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals lost the match by 4 wickets but his return on the field make the day for every cricket fans.

Emotional Return

Pant defied expectations despite the odds stacked against him and returned triumphantly to competitive cricket. His emotional admission before the match reflected the magnitude of his comeback, a testament to his unwavering spirit and determination.

See Also: IPL 2024: Punjab Kings beat Delhi Capitals by 4 wickets

Batting with Flair

As the skipper of Delhi Capitals, Pant’s return garnered immense anticipation from fans and pundits alike. Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Pant approached the game with characteristic flair, aiming to entertain the crowd with his explosive batting display.

With every ball he faced, Pant exuded confidence and determination. His eagerness to take on the opposition bowlers was palpable as he showcased his repertoire of shots with panache. Pant scored a cautious 18 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed by Harshal Patel in the 13th over of the innings.

Stump Mic Moment

Pant channeled the legendary MS Dhoni with a lightning-fast stumping in a moment of brilliance behind the stumps. The anticipation among fans reached a crescendo as the third umpire reviewed the decision, ultimately confirming the dismissal of Jitesh Sharma.

Pant’s astute reading of the game and razor-sharp reflexes were fully displayed during this crucial moment. With the finesse of a seasoned wicketkeeper, he seized the opportunity presented by Sharma’s mistimed shot, executing the stumping with precision.

Significance of the Match

This match symbolized more than a return to competitive cricket for Pant. It marked a significant milestone in his journey—a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering determination. Amidst the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding his comeback, Pant delivered a stellar performance, reaffirming his status as one of cricket’s most exciting talents.

The clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024 witnessed an exhilarating showdown, with PBKS emerging victorious by four wickets at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Sam Curran’s Heroics

Sam Curran’s stellar performance turned the tide in PBKS’s favor. His scintillating knock of 63 runs off just 46 balls provided the much-needed momentum, supported by Liam Livingstone’s valuable contribution of 38 runs from 21 balls.

See Also: IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad won toss against Kolkata Knight Riders, choose to field first

Explosive Start by Punjab Kings

Led by Shikhar Dhawan, the Punjab Kings embarked on their chase with explosive intent. Dhawan’s aggressive play posed a formidable challenge to the DC bowlers, but Ishant Sharma’s breakthrough dismissed him for 22, putting DC momentarily in control.

Despite PBKS’s strong start, Ishant Sharma’s crucial wickets of Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow in the same over breathed new life into DC’s defense. This strategic move shifted the momentum, giving DC a fighting chance in the game.

Delhi Capitals’ Battling Effort

DC’s batting effort, spearheaded by David Warner’s explosive start, set a competitive total of 174 runs on the board. Warner’s 29 runs laid a solid foundation, complemented by Rishabh Pant’s cautious 18 runs before his dismissal by Harshal Patel. Abhishek Porel’s powerful cameo towards the end of the inning bolstered DC’s total. His unbeaten 32 runs off just 10 balls injected vitality into the innings, ensuring DC reached a respectable score despite a shaky middle-order collapse.

The bowling prowess of both teams added an enthralling dimension to the contest. Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel’s disciplined spells, coupled with Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial breakthroughs, kept the game finely balanced until the final overs.

IPL 2024 season has kicked off with an unexpected setback for the Delhi Capitals as veteran bowler Ishant Sharma sustained an injury during their match. This news comes as a blow to the team, particularly considering their reliance on Sharma’s experience and skill in the pace department.

An Unfortunate Twist

During the match, Ishant Sharma twisted his ankle while delivering a ball, forcing him to leave the field immediately. Mitchell Marsh was called upon to complete the over, highlighting the abrupt nature of Sharma’s departure from the game.

See Also: WATCH: Explosive Abhishek Porel takes DC to 174/9 against PBKS

The Injury Incident

The injury occurred during Sharma’s second over when he twisted his right ankle while bowling to Prabhsimran Singh. Despite efforts from the physio to alleviate the pain, Sharma was visibly discomforted and had to be escorted off the field.

With Sharma sidelined, the Delhi Capitals had to rely on Pravin Dubey as his substitute fielder. The extent of Sharma’s injury remains uncertain, raising concerns about his availability for future matches.

Amidst the disappointment of Ishant Sharma’s injury, it’s essential to acknowledge his significant contribution to the match. Despite initial struggles with his line and length, Sharma showcased his brilliance by dismissing the dangerous Shikhar Dhawan with a well-executed delivery.

Match Overview

Earlier, DC kicked off their IPL 2024 campaign with a match against Punjab Kings, where they faced challenges in capitalizing on a promising start by Mitchell Marsh and David Warner. Despite a strong start, Delhi Capitals failed to fully capitalize on their batting innings, managing to score 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

As the Delhi Capitals navigate through the challenges posed by Ishant Sharma’s injury, they must regroup and adapt their strategies to compensate for his absence in the upcoming matches. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they strive to maintain their competitiveness in the IPL 2024 season.

Delhi Capitals kicked off their IPL 2024 campaign with a match against Punjab Kings, where they faced challenges in capitalizing on a promising start by Mitchell Marsh and David Warner. Despite a strong start, Delhi Capitals failed to fully capitalize on their batting innings, managing to score 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Overview of Delhi Capitals’ Batting Performance

Mitchell Marsh and David Warner provided a solid start for Delhi Capitals, adding 39 runs in 3.2 overs before Marsh’s dismissal. While Shai Hope showcased resilience with his knock of 33 runs, contributions from other batters like Rishabh Pant, Ricky Bhui, and Tristan Stubbs were relatively modest.

See Also: Netizens troll DC team management for benching Prithvi Shaw against PBKS

Abhishek Porel’s Remarkable Performance

Abhishek Porel emerged as the standout performer for Delhi Capitals, playing a crucial role in bolstering the team’s total with his explosive innings, scoring 32 runs off just ten balls.

Highlights from Punjab Kings’ Bowling

Arshdeep and Harshal Patel were the critical bowlers for Punjab Kings, each claiming two wickets and contributing significantly to restricting Delhi Capitals’ scoring rate.

Despite a promising start by Mitchell Marsh and David Warner, Delhi Capitals struggled to capitalize on their batting innings, ultimately setting a target of 174/9 against Punjab Kings. Abhishek Porel’s remarkable performance in the latter stages of the innings provided some momentum but wasn’t enough to secure a commanding total.

In a heartening turn of events, Rishabh Pant is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to competitive cricket in IPL 2024. The dynamic cricketer’s journey back to the field has been nothing short of inspiring, especially considering the near-fatal car crash he endured in December 2022.

Having missed out on every cricketing assignment in the past year, including IPL 2023, Pant is eager to lead Delhi Capitals once again, marking his comeback to the cricketing arena. The Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali, with Pant at the helm.

Pant’s association with Delhi Capitals runs deep, with him having played for the franchise throughout his IPL career. Approaching a significant milestone of 100 matches and 3000 runs for the team, Pant’s leadership and batting prowess are anticipated to add immense value to the Capitals’ campaign.

Watch the video…

In a recent interaction with Jio Cinema, Pant expressed his excitement and determination to make a strong comeback, reflecting his unwavering resolve and commitment to the sport. He remembers the moment how he slowly heals and started walking, running others one by one.

Sourav Ganguly also praised his comeback. Pant said Mahi said, “Keep it simple. One thing at a time. If you focus on cricket, focus on the game, focus on the core subject.”

He explained, “Mahi bhai se to pyar hein!”

With Rishabh Pant’s imminent return, cricket enthusiasts hold their breath in anticipation. The dynamic player had been in exceptional form across formats before his unfortunate injury sidelined him.

Pant’s resurgence promises to inject excitement back into the cricketing world, as fans eagerly await his return to the field. Having showcased remarkable skills and prowess before his injury, all eyes are on Pant as he prepares to make his comeback.

See Also: Ricky Ponting takes out Pant from the net; here is why?

As fans eagerly await his return, Pant’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

After being away from cricket for 15 long months due to injuries from a car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant is finally set to make a comeback. He’ll lead the Delhi Capitals in their first match of IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings in Mohali on Saturday.

Pant’s journey back to the field was tough. Doctors had initially told him he’d be away from cricket for quite a while, but Pant’s determination surprised everyone. Despite the setback, he worked hard in rehabilitation and made a swift recovery.

BCCI gives green light for Pant after he passed his fitness tests

Delhi Capitals wasted no time in officially naming him as their captain for this season, replacing Australian David Warner, who led the team in Pant’s absence last year.

DC coach Ricky Ponting has been impressed with Pant’s performance in training sessions. He jokingly mentioned that Pant sometimes gets so engrossed in batting during practice that he has to be pulled out of the nets to prevent exhaustion. Ponting emphasized that Pant’s return strengthens the team, and they missed his presence last season.

Ponting said, “We had a week’s training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Sometimes he bats too much and I have to drag him out of nets.”

“I’ve seen where his game is at, and don’t be surprised if something special happens tomorrow. His attitude and smile and what he wants to do for the team is infectious. Everyone wants to be like Rishabh.” 

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB key points that bring first win of the season

Ponting praises his strength and team spirit

In short, Pant’s return to competitive cricket after a challenging period of rehabilitation is a testament to his resilience and determination. His leadership and batting prowess will undoubtedly boost the Delhi Capitals’ chances in IPL 2024.

As he also added, “We are about to start an IPL, it’s really an exciting time of the year. It becomes more exciting when your captain is back in your team. Last year, we missed him. He is our leader. He is the heartbeat of this franchise and having him back is going to make this team a lot stronger.” 

Two perennially underperforming sides in the IPL gear up for another season. Rishabh Pant’s return is something everyone is eagerly awaiting, with the Delhi Capitals getting their old captain. The Punjab Kings too are getting Jonny Bairstow back after missing last season to injury. Both sides are looking better after the auction but still remain with some big concerns.

PBKS vs DC Match Details

Date: March 23rd, 2023

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur

PBKS vs DC Weather Report

Clear weather is expected with temperatures rising at Mohali.

PBKS vs DC Pitch Report

Mohali has some really large boundaries and a fast outfield. Batting second though will be a better option with easy runs likely on a flattish track.

PBKS vs DC Head-to-Head

PBKS vs DC Predicted Playing XII

PBKS Playing XI

Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Jitesh Sharma, Rishi Dhawan, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada. Impact Player: Harshal Patel

DC Playing XI

David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Lalit Yadav, Tristin Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed. Impact Player: Yash Dhull

PBKS vs DC Key Players

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant returns. After a life-threatening incident he is finally back out in the playing field. His bat swing in practice appeared to be pretty solid and the crowd will eagerly be waiting for his return after a massive gap.

Shikhar Dhawan

Like Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan comes back after a significant gap. He last played professional cricket in the previous season and has been inactive since. A lot went on personally in the interim and Shikhar Dhawan, far from a national comeback will be eager to come out and enjoy the time he has left on the cricket field.

PBKS’s Top Five Batters Last Season

DC’s Top Five Batters This Season

PBKS’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

DC’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

PBKS vs DC, Battles to Watch

Kagiso Rabada vs David Warner: David Warner has always had his struggles against certain fast bowlers. While Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad are two of them, Kagiso Rabada is another bowler who often finds David Warner under some discomfort. A good spell up front from Rabada could be the decider with Warner likely to single Rabada out as a bowler to watch.

PBKS vs DC Match Tips

PBKS generally start well in the IPL. DC though has some nice players in their ranks and with Pant returning they could be favorites coming in.

Match Prediction: Delhi Capitals Will Win the Match

PBKS vs DC Match Preview

Following the 2024 IPL’s opening game on Friday in Chepauk, the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals will play the first ‘double-header’ day of the tournament in Mullanpur. Some pundits have already dismissed both teams’ chances, but this appears to be extremely premature and short-sighted given that both the Kings and the Capitals have teams filled with T20 specialists and international stars. Furthermore, playing a fellow struggler from 2023 on Saturday afternoon provides both teams with an excellent opportunity to get off to a winning start. Everyone understands how important momentum can be in a T20 tournament; the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals must seize this opportunity!

PBKS vs DC Match Details

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – 02nd Match

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium – Chandigarh

Date & Time: 23th March 2024 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

PBKS vs DC Venue Stats

PBKS vs DC Pitch Report

The ball will turn for spinners and grip for pacers who produce varying notes. A par score is likely to be around 180. With an average score of 163.18 over the previous 16 seasons at the ground.

PBKS vs DC Weather Report

Clear skies throughout Saturday evening, with conditions remaining consistent from one innings to the next. The temperature stays at 29 degrees throughout. With humidity remaining at 75%.

PBKS vs DC Last Five Matches

PBKS vs DC Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2024: GT announces replacement for Mohammed Shami; MI enlist U19 world cup star in place of Madushanka

PBKS vs DC Probable Playing XIs:

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh

Delhi Capitals Probable Playing XIs

Rishabh Pant (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw, Shai Hope (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Yash Dhull, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed

Topmost Picks for PBKS vs DC Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Jonny Bairstow – The opening batsman from England is a very good all format player and he can be backed to score some important runs at the top.
• Kuldeep Yadav- the left-arm legspinner bowler is yet to go wicketless since last year and has been bowling very well throughout all-formats this year.

Top Picks – Delhi Capitals

• David Warner – The 37 year old opener was in fine form for Australia in the recent T20I series against West Indies with scores of 81 and 70.
• Axar Patel – The left-arm spinner has taken 200 T20 wickets across his career but is also a fine batter with over 2500 runs in the format.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PBKS vs DC Dream11 Team:

Rishabh Pant, David Warner(C), Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan(VC), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PBKS vs DC Dream11 Team:

Rishabh Pant, Jitesh Sharma, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh(C), Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran(VC), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – David Warner, Mitchell Marsh

Vice-captain – Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran

Wicketkeeper – Rishabh Pant

PBKS vs DC Probable Winners:

With only one match remaining in the tournament, there will be plenty of excitement around the world, including Mullanpur. Rishabh Pant’s return will be the main focus of the broadcasters, and we expect him to lead his team to victory. The Punjab Kings have a diverse bowling attack, but their XI does not produce enough runs. We predict a victory for the Delhi Capitals in Match 2. Considering the team combination, Delhi Capitals is expected to win this match.

Punjab Kings suffered a 15-run defeat and were severely dented in their playoff chances thanks to Rilee Rossouw’s stunning display of boundary hitting all over the field in his unbeaten 82 off 37 balls and the helpful contributions of the other top-four Delhi Capitals batters.

Kings got within striking distance of the finish line thanks to Liam Livingstone’s belligerent 94 off 48, but he fought alone

The misfortune kept the Kings on the eighth spot with 12 places. Because they only have one game left, and three teams are already above the Kings’ maximum of 14 points, they now need a lot of other results to stay alive in the race for the playoffs.

Here’s what twitter fans had to say: