By Sam Currans masterful innings of 63 runs off 47 balls was the cornerstone of Punjab Kings’ campaign as they embarked on the IPL 2024 season with a victory against Delhi Capitals by four wickets at the newly inaugurated stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Delhi Capitals had set a target of 174/9, a total significantly bolstered by Abishek Porel’s explosive 32 off 10 balls in the closing stages, after being precariously positioned at 147/8. Currans, alongside Liam Livingstone, stitched together a crucial 67-run partnership, propelling the Kings over the finish line with four balls to spare.
The chase commenced with vigor as Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow unleashed a barrage of boundaries, taking 16 runs off Khaleel Ahmed’s first over. Despite Dhawan’s aggression, the Capitals found a breakthrough with Ishant Sharma’s delivery, leading to Dhawan’s dismissal. Kings’ substitute, Prabhsimran Singh, added a brief spark, but a moment of brilliance from Ishant saw Bairstow run out, tilting the momentum slightly. By the end of the powerplay and into the middle overs, the Kings made steady progress, with Curran and Prabhsimran maintaining a cautious yet effective approach against the Capitals’ spinners, ending the powerplay at 60/2 and marginally outpacing the Capitals halfway through their innings.
As the innings progressed, the Kings navigated the challenges posed by the Capitals’ bowling attack. Despite a scare and a tight spell from Kuldeep Yadav, Punjab kept their chase on track, with Curran and Livingstone shining in critical moments. The Capitals, despite capturing key wickets and putting forth a spirited defense, couldn’t curb the Kings’ momentum, hindered by the early loss of Ishant Sharma due to injury and the subsequent strain on their bowling lineup.
Currans Half-Century Secures First Victory for PBKS
Earlier, the Capitals had seized the initiative on a pitch that offered little for the bowlers. Mitchell Marsh and David Warner capitalized on errant deliveries, setting a brisk pace. The Kings managed to claw back with strategic wickets, yet the Capitals were poised for a competitive total, thanks in part to Porel’s late innings flourish, propelling them beyond the 170-mark. Despite his efforts and a disciplined bowling spell from Kuldeep Yadav, the Capitals’ limited bowling resources in the latter stages were exposed under the pressure of Kings’ calculated chase.
In summary, the Delhi Capitals set a challenging total of 174/9, with notable contributions from Shai Hope and a fiery innings finish by Abishek Porel. In response, the Punjab Kings, guided by Curran’s 63 and supported by Livingstone’s unbeaten 38, reached 177/6 to secure the win. The result sets the stage for the upcoming fixtures, with the Capitals regrouping for their match against Rajasthan Royals and the Kings preparing to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, each team looking to build on their performances in the early stages of the tournament.
