In a high-voltage clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Riley Rossouw's explosive knock of unbeaten 82 off 37 deliveries propelled the Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling 15-run win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in an intense IPL 2023 match on Wednesday.
The match witnessed a scintillating display of batting from both sides. DC's opening pair, David Warner and Prithvi Shaw, provided a solid start, with Shaw contributing a fine fifty (54 off 38 balls). However, it was Rossouw's blistering innings, coupled with a partnership with Philip Salt (26), that helped DC post an imposing total of 213/2 in their allotted 20 overs.
PBKS, in their chase of 214, faced a shaky start as they lost their skipper early in the powerplay. Despite some resistance from Atharva Taide (55 off 42 balls) and a blitzkrieg from Livingstone (94 off 48 balls), DC's bowlers remained determined and took crucial wickets at crucial intervals. Despite Livingstone's fireworks, DC's collective bowling effort dealt a significant blow to PBKS's chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
The match was not without its share of missed opportunities and tense moments. DC had a few dropped catches, missed run-out chances, and untimely no-balls that allowed PBKS to stay in the game until the very end.
Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma made early breakthroughs for DC, leaving PBKS struggling in the powerplay. However, Taide and Livingstone mounted a comeback, playing calculated shots to bring PBKS back into contention. They received some luck along the way, with a few dropped catches and missed chances by DC's fielders. Taide reached his fifty off 38 balls but eventually retired out, leaving PBKS in a precarious position.
With 86 runs required in 30 balls, Anrich Nortje dismissed Jitesh Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed removed Shahrukh Khan, further denting PBKS's hopes. However, Livingstone continued his valiant fight from one end, hitting boundaries and sixes to keep PBKS in the game. In the 18th over, Livingstone and Sam Curran unleashed a flurry of sixes against Mukesh Kumar, reducing the equation to 38 runs off 12 balls.
Nortje displayed composure in the penultimate over, dismissing Curran and orchestrating Brar's run-out. With 34 runs needed from the final over, Ishant Sharma took the responsibility to defend the total. Livingstone struck a six and a four, but on the last ball, he was dismissed, and DC sealed the victory by 15 runs.
Earlier, DC had a slow start, scoring only six runs in the first two overs. However, Warner and Shaw shifted gears and built a commanding opening partnership of 94 runs. Despite the PBKS bowlers' attempts to slow down the run rate, Rossouw's explosive knock and Shaw's half-century propelled DC to a formidable total of 213/2. DC's victory keeps them in the playoff race, while PBKS faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the next stage of the tournament.
Brief scores: Brief scores: Delhi Capitals 213/2 in 20 overs (Prithvi Shaw 54 off 38, Riley Rossouw 82 off 37; Sam Curran 2/36) beat Punjab Kings 198/8 (Liam Livingstone 94 off 48, Atharva Taide 55 off 42; Ishant Sharma 2/26, Anrich Nortje 2/36) by 15 runs