Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, IPL, 2024 Full score card

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Match 2, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Mohali, 23 Mar, 2024

Delhi Capitals

DC

174/9

(20.0) ov

Punjab Kings

PBKS

177/6

(19.2) ov

Punjab Kings beat Delhi Capitals by 4 wickets

Player Of The Match

Sam Curran,
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Punjab Kings
Delhi Capitals

Punjab Kings • 177/6 (19.2 overs)

S Curran 63 (47)

L Livingstone 38 (21)

K Yadav 2/20 (4)

K Ahmed 2/43 (4)

Delhi Capitals • 174/9 (20.0 overs)

S Hope 33 (25)

A Porel 32 (10)

A Singh 2/28 (4)

H Patel 2/47 (4)

Commentary

Right then, we are done with Match number 2 of the 2024 Indian T20 League and it is Punjab who join Chennai as the first two victorious teams. Next up is a clash between Kolkata and Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Kolkata are batting first in that game. You can simply switch tabs and tune in to our coverage of that game. Cheers!

Sam Curran is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 63 runs. Curran says that he is really pleased and they didn't quite know how the ground would play but there's nothing better than starting off with a win. Adds that he knew they could take it deep as Delhi were one bowler short and enjoyed batting with Liam Livingstone. Adds that while batting you need to take risks at certain points and feels lucky that his catch was dropped. Reckons that the pitch played well and for a big ground, the ball was traveling well. Ends by saying that they were just focused on the win in this game and are just happy with it.

Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper of Punjab says it feels great to be on the ground and he has been preparing well for this season. Adds that the bowlers go through their own emotions and he did not get enough time to talk to them after the first innings. Mentions that they leaked a few extra runs and with it being the first game there were some nerves and the wicket under the light played better and Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone finished things perfectly for them. States that this is a new ground and they didn't think too much about it and just let the other team do the thinking while they could play accordingly.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and opted to field first but it seemed to be the wrong decision as the Delhi openers went into overdrive early in the innings. Both David Warner and Mitchell Marsh looked solid but Marsh was cleaned up by Arshdeep Singh after which Shai Hope joined Warner and both batters looked in good touch. However, both of them got out after a good start and the returning skipper, Rishabh Pant couldn't hang around for much either. It was looking like Delhi would struggle to get to 150 but Axar Patel kept the innings afloat and the Impact Player, Abishek Porel went berserk in the final over to take them to a par score of 173 runs. For Punjab, Harshal Patel picked up wickets at crucial stages of the contest but went for plenty in that final over and overall, the bowling looked pretty solid with both spinners proving to be economical. In reply, Punjab played positive cricket throughout the chase and were able to get the victory in the final over.

The man of the moment, Liam Livingstone is down for a chat. He says that they did a lot well and the spinners dragged things back in the middle as the pitch got better under lights as well. Reckons that it is a pretty good start as a team for them. Adds that they have got a really good outfit and have options in the bowling and even after that flourish in the final over from Delhi, they did have the batting to chase it down. Mentions that he is just happy to have clinched the win and it has been a tough year for him batting-wise and appreciates the group and the hard work that he put in for his success. On Sam Curran, he says that they have got options and batting in that middle order will be pretty fun.

Rishab Pant, the skipper of Delhi says that Ishant Sharma's injury was crucial and it was evident that they played one bowler short. Appreciate Abishek Porel's knock and the bowlers for taking it deep. Mentions that they had a par score and with one bowler short they couldn't do much about it. Adds that the wicket played exactly how they wanted it to and credits Punjab for the way they played. Concludes that Porel's inning was a standout and the impact on the game was pretty big.

Delhi were already a bowler short when they decided to bring in Abishek Porel as an Impact Player late in their innings due to the middle order faltering and things got even worse when Ishant Sharma had to hobble off the field after having bowled just a couple of overs and that too after pickings up a couple of wickets, one with the ball and one in the field. Khaleel Ahmed has been a match-winner for Delhi in recent times but he was completely off his game and so was Mitchell Marsh as the pair of them got hammered. Kuldeep Yadav bowled a sensational spell picking up two wickets and along with Axar Patel got Delhi back in the game. Khaleel did bowl a pretty decent penultimate over and picked up two wickets which could have been three but David Warner put down a catch and also an earlier chance put down by Tristan Stubbs of Sam Curran proved to be really costly for them.

Punjab were aggressive throughout the chase and even when they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession twice, they just kept going at it. It was a stellar start from skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow but the former got out soon after and in the very same over, Jonny had an unfortunate dismissal. Prabhsimran Singh and Sam Curran then put on a quick stand with the former really going after the bowlers. Singh too fell and Jitesh Sharma followed suit after never looking settled at the crease. However, Curran held up one end and then opened up his arms when the opportunity came and so did Liam Livingstone. Curran got out on a valiant 63 in the penultimate over and Shashank Singh fell on the very next delivery but Livingstone kept his cool and finished things off in style in the final over.

Pheww, a bit of a nervy ending there but Punjab have managed to pull through and have started their campaign with a win. However, for Delhi, they have lost their opening fixture just like last season and have a lot to ponder upon. A new home ground for Punjab and maybe a new beginning as well for them as they notch up a win in their season opener at the new PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali in the final over.

19.26

SIX! Liam Livingstone doing what he is known for! Punjab win the first game by 4 wickets and get a win on their new home venue. A length delivery, outside off, Liam Livingstone frees his arms and deposits it miles into the sky over deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum to finish things off in some style.

19.10

On a fuller length, outside off, Liam Livingstone drives it straight to mid off.

19.11wd

WIDE! Bangs the deck hard over middle and off, the ball climbs further up over the batter and the umpire calls it a wide.

19.11wd

WIDE! Bangs it short and wayward of off, Liam Livingstone leaves it alone for a wide.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Sumit Kumar and he has only 5 runs to play with. Had that catch been taken off the previous delivery, the debutant would have been breathing just a bit easier but will now have to conjure up something magical here.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 169/6

H Brar2 (2)

L Livingstone32 (19)

K Ahmed4-0-43-2

18.62

Oh dear, has David Warner put down the catch that could have possibly given Delhi the advantage heading into the final over? Ahmed drops the length and hits the deck hard over off, Harpreet Brar mistimes his pull in front of long on where David Warner does everything to get to it and settles under it but spills it off his hands at the very end moment. The batters scamper for a couple of runs.

18.50

Bangs it shorter and just outside off at 140.3 kph, Harpreet Brar looks to upper cut but misses out by the pace on it.

Harpreet Brar walks out to face the hat-trick ball.

18.4W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Khaleel Ahmed takes two-in-two and is on a hattrick! Is there a twist in the tale? The short ball has paid off this time. Digs it short over middle and leg, Shashank Singh looks to pull but is late on the shot. The ball catches a top edge and balloons to the left of Rishabh Pant behind the stumps who takes a simple catch.

Shashank Singh is the new batter in.

18.3W

OUT! TIMBER! Khaleel Ahmed gets his first wicket and Sam Curran has to walk back after a well-made 63-run knock. Bowls a slower one, angling into the left-hander on a good length, Sam Curran looks to play across the line and misses. The ball zips through the gap between bat and pat to rattle the stumps.

18.21

Bowls this fuller and outside off, Liam Livingstone miscues his swing towards long on for a single.

18.11

Fuller delivery into the stumps, Sam Curran gets across a bit nad looks to heave it but mistimes the shot to fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 165/4

L Livingstone31 (18)

S Curran62 (45)

M Marsh4-0-52-0

17.66

SIX! Another short ball that is punished! Marsh digs it in on middle and leg, Liam Livingstone stands tall and waits for the ball before pulling it right off the centre of the bat over fine leg for half a dozen. Punjab in a hurry to get that first victory.

17.51

Drops the length short again, outside off, Sam Curran misses out and slaps it straight to mid off for a single.

17.40

Goes around the wicket and bowls it fuller and into the stumps, Sam Curran tucks it back to the bowler.

17.34

FOUR! Precisely done. Short and wide outside off, Sam Curran latches onto this before slashing it over backward point for four more. Punjab now just need 17 more runs.

17.26

SIX! Brings up the fifty-run partnership between these two. On a back of a length over middle and leg, Sam Curran swivels across and pulls it beautifully over fine leg for a maximum.

17.11

Bangs it shorter in length outside off, Liam Livingstone miscues his pull to long on for just one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 147/4

L Livingstone24 (16)

S Curran51 (41)

K Ahmed3-0-39-0

16.61

Bowls it straighter and into middle and off, Liam Livingstone drives it to long off for a single. Punjab now need 28 off 18 balls.

Commentary

We are back with the chase! The two umpires make their way to the middle followed by the Delhi fielders who are taking the field. It will be the skipper, Shikhar Dhawan alongside Jonny Bairstow to open the innings for Punjab. Khaleel Ahmed has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for Delhi. Away we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab's bowling unit faced initial struggles as they grappled to find their rhythm, leaking runs in the early overs. However, it was Arshdeep Singh who provided the breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the fourth over. A counterattacking second-wicket partnership was swiftly dismantled by Harshal Patel, who sent David Warner back to the pavilion. Subsequently, Punjab's bowlers tightened their lines and executed their plans meticulously. Harshal Patel emerged as the standout performer in the middle overs, utilizing bouncers and slower deliveries effectively to spearhead Punjab's resurgence in the game until that last over where he was taken aback by the heroics of Abishek Porel who racked 25 runs to take Delhi to a formidable total of 174 runs. With the momentum swinging back in Delhi's favour, the chase is undoubtedly going to be a challenging one for Punjab. Will they be successful in chasing it down at their new home ground? Let's find out shortly as the second innings comes to you in a bit.

Abishek Porel, the man of the moment is down for a chat and says that he got to know just when 3 overs were left that he had to go out to bat but was ready for it. Adds that the practice he put in the nets, he just wanted to carry the same into the game as well. Mentions that he wanted to see the ball and hit the ball and not just swing blindly. Reckons that the score they put on is a good one and they have the bowling to defend it.

After being put into bat first, Delhi got off to a scintillating start, courtesy of the Australian duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Both openers launched a relentless assault on the Punjab bowlers, defying the expected slower nature of the pitch. Despite Marsh's departure within the Powerplay after some aggressive strokes, Shai Hope seamlessly continued the onslaught alongside Warner. Their brisk 35-run partnership was brought to an end with Warner's dismissal. Shortly thereafter, Hope also fell, leaving Delhi in a precarious position. Rishabh Pant got off to a start but couldn't capitalize on it. Delhi lost wickets in quick succession which put them on the backfoot. A strong recovery seemed elusive until their Impact Player, Abishek Porel, arrived late in the innings and unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to propel the side to a total of 174 runs. The coaches took a risk of not bringing on an extra bowler and it seems to have paid off but it does mean, Delhi will be a bowler short.

Wow, what a thrilling conclusion to Delhi's innings as they finish at 174 runs! Abishek Porel's explosive cameo of 32 runs off just 10 balls has once again turned the tide in Delhi's favour. His blistering innings has not only propelled Delhi to a formidable total but also injected momentum going into the break.

Runs Scored 25 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 174/9

A Porel32 (10)

K Yadav1 (2)

H Patel4-0-47-2

19.61W

OUT! RUN OUT! Delhi end the innings by losing their ninth wicket but it doesn't matter as Abishek Porel has turned the game on its head in the final over. Harshal Patel bowls it full and straight, Porel punches the ball down to long on and the batters push for two as it is the final delivery. The fielder in the deep, Shashank Singh picks up the ball quickly and fires in a throw at the bowler's end. Harshal whips off the bails and Kuldeep Yadav isn't even in the frame. Delhi finish with 174/9 on the board!

19.56

SIX! BANG! Abishek Porel, you beauty! Slightly short and over the stumps, Porel with a neutral stance and that allows him to go either side of the wicket and this time he just pulls it away deep into the stands over the mid-wicket fence to make it 24 runs in the over with one ball remaining.

19.44

FOUR! Yes, it sure seems like it and Abishek Porel is playing some unbelievable shots here. Back to over the stumps and banged in a bit over off stump, angling across. Porel stays put and just dabs the ball over short third and picks up yet another boundary.

19.34

FOUR! The Impact Player is making a huge impact! Comes from around the stumps and angles in another short ball, pace on and into the body, Abishek Porel swivels around and pulls it away well behind square leg for a boundary. 14 already off the over, still 3 deliveries remain. Can Porel push Delhi's total upwards of 170?

19.26

SIX! Wow, what a cracking sound the ball made off the bat! Pitched up right in the slot and Abishek Porel picks the slower one too. Porel shuffles across a touch and whacks the ball a mile high and into the stands over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

19.14

FOUR! Gets enough bat on it and Abishek Porel picks up a handy boundary for Delhi. Slower bumper over the stumps and angling into the helmet, Porel manages to get on top of it and pull it just over backward square leg for four runs.

Prabhsimran Singh comes in as an impact player for Punjab replacing Arshdeep Singh.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 149/8

K Yadav1 (2)

A Porel7 (4)

A Singh4-0-28-2

18.60

Good short ball, quick and outside off, zipping through, Kuldeep Yadav looks to guide it away to third man but misses out.

18.51

Short and outside off, slapped away to deep cover for a single.

18.41

A direct git and Kuldeep Yadav would have had to walk back! On a length over off, Kuldeep Yadav opens the bat face and tucks it in front of backward point and sets off for the run, Jonny Bairstow collects the ball and throws at the nonstriker's end with Kuldeep Yadav not even in the frame. The ball doesn't hit the stumps and Delhi get a single added to their tally of runs.

Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat next for Delhi.

18.3W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Arshdeep Singh gets his second and Delhi lose their 8th. Singh steams from around the wicket and bowls it fuller outside off, Sumit Kumar takes a step out and looks to swing hard but only manages to get an outside edge straight into the safe custody of Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps.

18.20

Bangs it short and over middle at 134.4 kph, Sumit Kumar looks to cut it square on off but misses.

18.21wd

WIDE! A quick bumper now outside off stump, Sumit Kumar sways away from the line of the ball and it swerves away as well. This is called a wide but Punjab have challenged it. The third umpire checks the replays and deems it over head height. The wide call stands.

18.10

Top delivery! Comes from around the wicket and bowls a slower short ball outside off, this one angles in and Sumit Kumar is well beaten on the cut.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-25-1) is brought back into the attack to bowl his final over.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 146/7

A Porel6 (3)

S Kumar2 (6)

H Patel3-0-22-2

17.64

FOUR! A bit streaky but Abishek Porel will take it with both hands. Full and wide, a bit too wide though as Porel is able to free his hands and cuts it off the outside edge fine of third man for a boundary.

17.51

Another slower one, banged into the deck and outside off, Sumit Kumar stays put and just angles the bat to play the ball through mid-wicket for another single. Sumit wanted the second run but Abishek Porel sent him back.

17.41

Well short and slow too outside off, Abishek Porel works hard to get on top of the bounce and just about manages to pull it down in front of mid-wicket for one.

17.31lb

Leg bye! switches to over the wicket for the right-hander and angles it in on a hard length into the pads. Sumit Kumar fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the pads past square leg. They get a leg bye.

17.21

Nice and full outside off stump, Abishek Porel leans on and pushes it to covers for one.

Abishek Porel walks out to bat next for Delhi as an Impact Player replacing Ricky Bhui.

17.11W

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! That is a huge wicket as Axar Patel has been run out here. Harshal Patel comes from around the stumps and bowls it short and into the body, taking pace off as well. Axar hops and tucks it away through square leg for one and they look for two but there is slight hesitation from the batters. The substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajann attacks the ball well and fires in a flat throw at the keeper's end. Jitesh Sharma whips off the bails and the replays show that Axar is just short of his crease.

Harshal Patel (2-0-14-2) comes back to bowl.

Punjab Kings
Delhi Capitals
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
S Dhawan

b I Sharma

22 16 4 0 137.50
J Bairstow

run out (I Sharma)

9 3 2 0 300

c D Warner b K Yadav

26 17 5 0 152.94
S Curran

b K Ahmed

63 47 6 1 134.04
J Sharma

st R Pant b K Yadav

9 9 1 0 100
L Livingstone

not out

38 21 2 3 180.95
S Singh

c R Pant b K Ahmed

0 1 0 0 0
H Brar

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 2,w 6,nb 0,Penalty 0)

8
Total 19.2 (RR: 9.16)
177/6

Did not bat: H Patel, K Rabada, R Chahar,

Fall of wickets:

(S Dhawan, 3.1 ov) (J Bairstow, 3.5 ov) (P Singh, 9.2 ov) (J Sharma, 11.3 ov) (S Curran, 18.3 ov) (S Singh, 18.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
K Ahmed
4 0 43 2 10.75
I Sharma
2 0 16 1 8.00
M Marsh
4 0 52 0 13.00
A Patel
4 0 25 0 6.25
K Yadav
4 0 20 2 5.00
S Kumar
1.2 0 19 0 14.25
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
D Warner

c J Sharma b H Patel

29 21 3 2 138.09
M Marsh

c R Chahar b A Singh

20 12 2 2 166.66
S Hope

c H Brar b K Rabada

33 25 2 2 132
R Pant

c J Bairstow b H Patel

18 13 2 0 138.46

c J Sharma b H Brar

3 7 0 0 42.85
T Stubbs

c S Singh b R Chahar

5 8 0 0 62.50
A Patel

run out (sub T Thyagarajann / J Sharma)

21 13 2 1 161.53
S Kumar

c J Sharma b A Singh

2 9 0 0 22.22
32 10 4 2 320
K Yadav

run out (S Singh / H Patel)

1 2 0 0 50
Extras

(b 0,lb 6,w 4,nb 0,Penalty 0)

10
Total 20.0 (RR: 8.70)
174/9

Did not bat: K Ahmed, I Sharma

Fall of wickets:

(M Marsh, 3.2 ov) (D Warner, 8 ov) (S Hope, 10.4 ov) (R Pant, 12.4 ov) (R Bhui, 13.2 ov) (T Stubbs, 15.4 ov) (A Patel, 17.1 ov) (S Kumar, 18.3 ov) (K Yadav, 20 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Curran
1 0 10 0 10.00
4 0 28 2 7.00
K Rabada
4 0 36 1 9.00
H Brar
3 0 14 1 4.66
R Chahar
4 0 33 1 8.25
H Patel
4 0 47 2 11.75
Punjab Kings
Delhi Capitals

Commentary

Right then, we are done with Match number 2 of the 2024 Indian T20 League and it is Punjab who join Chennai as the first two victorious teams. Next up is a clash between Kolkata and Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Kolkata are batting first in that game. You can simply switch tabs and tune in to our coverage of that game. Cheers!

Sam Curran is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 63 runs. Curran says that he is really pleased and they didn't quite know how the ground would play but there's nothing better than starting off with a win. Adds that he knew they could take it deep as Delhi were one bowler short and enjoyed batting with Liam Livingstone. Adds that while batting you need to take risks at certain points and feels lucky that his catch was dropped. Reckons that the pitch played well and for a big ground, the ball was traveling well. Ends by saying that they were just focused on the win in this game and are just happy with it.

Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper of Punjab says it feels great to be on the ground and he has been preparing well for this season. Adds that the bowlers go through their own emotions and he did not get enough time to talk to them after the first innings. Mentions that they leaked a few extra runs and with it being the first game there were some nerves and the wicket under the light played better and Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone finished things perfectly for them. States that this is a new ground and they didn't think too much about it and just let the other team do the thinking while they could play accordingly.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and opted to field first but it seemed to be the wrong decision as the Delhi openers went into overdrive early in the innings. Both David Warner and Mitchell Marsh looked solid but Marsh was cleaned up by Arshdeep Singh after which Shai Hope joined Warner and both batters looked in good touch. However, both of them got out after a good start and the returning skipper, Rishabh Pant couldn't hang around for much either. It was looking like Delhi would struggle to get to 150 but Axar Patel kept the innings afloat and the Impact Player, Abishek Porel went berserk in the final over to take them to a par score of 173 runs. For Punjab, Harshal Patel picked up wickets at crucial stages of the contest but went for plenty in that final over and overall, the bowling looked pretty solid with both spinners proving to be economical. In reply, Punjab played positive cricket throughout the chase and were able to get the victory in the final over.

The man of the moment, Liam Livingstone is down for a chat. He says that they did a lot well and the spinners dragged things back in the middle as the pitch got better under lights as well. Reckons that it is a pretty good start as a team for them. Adds that they have got a really good outfit and have options in the bowling and even after that flourish in the final over from Delhi, they did have the batting to chase it down. Mentions that he is just happy to have clinched the win and it has been a tough year for him batting-wise and appreciates the group and the hard work that he put in for his success. On Sam Curran, he says that they have got options and batting in that middle order will be pretty fun.

Rishab Pant, the skipper of Delhi says that Ishant Sharma's injury was crucial and it was evident that they played one bowler short. Appreciate Abishek Porel's knock and the bowlers for taking it deep. Mentions that they had a par score and with one bowler short they couldn't do much about it. Adds that the wicket played exactly how they wanted it to and credits Punjab for the way they played. Concludes that Porel's inning was a standout and the impact on the game was pretty big.

Delhi were already a bowler short when they decided to bring in Abishek Porel as an Impact Player late in their innings due to the middle order faltering and things got even worse when Ishant Sharma had to hobble off the field after having bowled just a couple of overs and that too after pickings up a couple of wickets, one with the ball and one in the field. Khaleel Ahmed has been a match-winner for Delhi in recent times but he was completely off his game and so was Mitchell Marsh as the pair of them got hammered. Kuldeep Yadav bowled a sensational spell picking up two wickets and along with Axar Patel got Delhi back in the game. Khaleel did bowl a pretty decent penultimate over and picked up two wickets which could have been three but David Warner put down a catch and also an earlier chance put down by Tristan Stubbs of Sam Curran proved to be really costly for them.

Punjab were aggressive throughout the chase and even when they lost a couple of wickets in quick succession twice, they just kept going at it. It was a stellar start from skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow but the former got out soon after and in the very same over, Jonny had an unfortunate dismissal. Prabhsimran Singh and Sam Curran then put on a quick stand with the former really going after the bowlers. Singh too fell and Jitesh Sharma followed suit after never looking settled at the crease. However, Curran held up one end and then opened up his arms when the opportunity came and so did Liam Livingstone. Curran got out on a valiant 63 in the penultimate over and Shashank Singh fell on the very next delivery but Livingstone kept his cool and finished things off in style in the final over.

Pheww, a bit of a nervy ending there but Punjab have managed to pull through and have started their campaign with a win. However, for Delhi, they have lost their opening fixture just like last season and have a lot to ponder upon. A new home ground for Punjab and maybe a new beginning as well for them as they notch up a win in their season opener at the new PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali in the final over.

19.26

SIX! Liam Livingstone doing what he is known for! Punjab win the first game by 4 wickets and get a win on their new home venue. A length delivery, outside off, Liam Livingstone frees his arms and deposits it miles into the sky over deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum to finish things off in some style.

19.10

On a fuller length, outside off, Liam Livingstone drives it straight to mid off.

19.11wd

WIDE! Bangs the deck hard over middle and off, the ball climbs further up over the batter and the umpire calls it a wide.

19.11wd

WIDE! Bangs it short and wayward of off, Liam Livingstone leaves it alone for a wide.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Sumit Kumar and he has only 5 runs to play with. Had that catch been taken off the previous delivery, the debutant would have been breathing just a bit easier but will now have to conjure up something magical here.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 169/6

H Brar2 (2)

L Livingstone32 (19)

K Ahmed4-0-43-2

18.62

Oh dear, has David Warner put down the catch that could have possibly given Delhi the advantage heading into the final over? Ahmed drops the length and hits the deck hard over off, Harpreet Brar mistimes his pull in front of long on where David Warner does everything to get to it and settles under it but spills it off his hands at the very end moment. The batters scamper for a couple of runs.

18.50

Bangs it shorter and just outside off at 140.3 kph, Harpreet Brar looks to upper cut but misses out by the pace on it.

Harpreet Brar walks out to face the hat-trick ball.

18.4W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Khaleel Ahmed takes two-in-two and is on a hattrick! Is there a twist in the tale? The short ball has paid off this time. Digs it short over middle and leg, Shashank Singh looks to pull but is late on the shot. The ball catches a top edge and balloons to the left of Rishabh Pant behind the stumps who takes a simple catch.

Shashank Singh is the new batter in.

18.3W

OUT! TIMBER! Khaleel Ahmed gets his first wicket and Sam Curran has to walk back after a well-made 63-run knock. Bowls a slower one, angling into the left-hander on a good length, Sam Curran looks to play across the line and misses. The ball zips through the gap between bat and pat to rattle the stumps.

18.21

Bowls this fuller and outside off, Liam Livingstone miscues his swing towards long on for a single.

18.11

Fuller delivery into the stumps, Sam Curran gets across a bit nad looks to heave it but mistimes the shot to fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 165/4

L Livingstone31 (18)

S Curran62 (45)

M Marsh4-0-52-0

17.66

SIX! Another short ball that is punished! Marsh digs it in on middle and leg, Liam Livingstone stands tall and waits for the ball before pulling it right off the centre of the bat over fine leg for half a dozen. Punjab in a hurry to get that first victory.

17.51

Drops the length short again, outside off, Sam Curran misses out and slaps it straight to mid off for a single.

17.40

Goes around the wicket and bowls it fuller and into the stumps, Sam Curran tucks it back to the bowler.

17.34

FOUR! Precisely done. Short and wide outside off, Sam Curran latches onto this before slashing it over backward point for four more. Punjab now just need 17 more runs.

17.26

SIX! Brings up the fifty-run partnership between these two. On a back of a length over middle and leg, Sam Curran swivels across and pulls it beautifully over fine leg for a maximum.

17.11

Bangs it shorter in length outside off, Liam Livingstone miscues his pull to long on for just one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 147/4

L Livingstone24 (16)

S Curran51 (41)

K Ahmed3-0-39-0

16.61

Bowls it straighter and into middle and off, Liam Livingstone drives it to long off for a single. Punjab now need 28 off 18 balls.

16.54

FOUR! Two-in-two for Liam Livingstone and Punjab are inching closer. Khaleel bangs it on a good length but on leg, Liam Livingstone flicks it late and steers the ball to fine leg fence for yet another boundary.

16.44

FOUR! Edged and gone past Rishabh Pant. Fuller delivery outside off, with pace off, Liam Livingstone extends his arms and looks to slash but gets an outside edge to the right of the keeper for a boundary.

16.31

Fuller and into the stumps again, Sam Curran flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

16.20

Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, Sam Curran makes room and looks to ease it through off but chops it back onto the deck.

16.11

Bangs it on a good length, outside off, Liam Livingstone cuts it with an angled bat to deep point for a single.

Strategic break! Just under 10 runs an over required for Punjab as they need 39 runs off 24 balls and with two set batters at the crease and 6 wickets in hand, it should be a straightforward win from here. Delhi's spinners have bowled well but both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are bowled out and with Ishant Sharma still off the field, it will be a huge challenge for their expensive pacers to pull things back. Can Delhi pull off a miracle though? Let's find out.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 136/4

L Livingstone14 (12)

S Curran50 (39)

A Patel4-0-25-0

15.61

Fuller and outside off, Liam Livingstone pushes it to point for a single.

15.50

Floats it up, outside off, Liam Livingstone gets an inside edge onto his pads trying to cut it square on off.

15.41

FIFTY for Sam Curran! His first against Delhi and fourth in the Indian T20 League. Shorter and on off, Sam Curran punches it to mid-wicket for a single.

15.32

A good stop by Sumit Kumar at covers! Shorter delivery outside off, Sam Curran slaps it hard to the left of cover for a couple of runs.

15.21

Goes fuller and into the stumps, Liam Livingstone eases it to deep mid-wicket for one.

15.11

Digs it short and outside off, Sam Curran punches it down to long on for a single.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 130/4

L Livingstone12 (9)

S Curran46 (36)

M Marsh3-0-34-0

14.66

SIX! Smashed away and Liam Livingstone has finally arrived to the party! Marsh bowls it halfway down the track and at a gentle pace over the stumps, Liam hangs deep in the crease and clobbers the ball well over deep square leg for a biggie. 18 off that over and Punjab now need 45 runs off 30 balls.

14.51

Takes pace off and bowls it slightly short around off, Sam Curran stays back and punches it down to long on for a single.

14.42

Excellent running! Back of a length and angled across off stump, Sam Curran is hanging back and adjusts well to just dab it away in front of mid-wicket and into the open spaces for a couple of easy runs.

14.41wd

WIDE! Full and wide outside off, that one almost landed beyond the cut strip, Mitchell Marsh is under immense pressure here.

14.34

FOUR! Down the wrong line and Sam Curran helps himself to another boundary. Slow and short just down leg, Curran swivels and pulls it away wide of short fine leg to make it two boundaries in three deliveries.

14.20

A good bumper now from Marsh as this is bowled quick and around off stump. Sam Curran knows that short third is inside the ring and looks to ramp it away but misses.

14.14

FOUR! That was hit really hard! Poor delivery from Mitchell Marsh as he bowls it short and well wide outside off stump. Sam Curran latches onto it and slaps it well in front of the man at deep point for a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 112/4

S Curran35 (31)

L Livingstone6 (8)

K Yadav4-0-20-2

13.61

On a dragged length around middle, Sam Curran waits and works it away to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

13.50

Flatter again on off stump, Sam Curran looks to back away and cut but under-edges it back onto the deck.

13.40

A lot quicker and flatter around off stump, Sam Curran plays it out on the off side.

13.31

Shorter one on the pads, flicked away in front of mid-wicket for a single by Liam Livingstone.

13.21

DROPPED! Kuldeep Yadav creates another wicket-taking opportunity and Tristan Stubbs has made a mess of it in the end. Tossed up on the stumps, Sam Curran stapes down the pitch and lifts it straight back over the bowler's head. Stubbs makes good ground to his right from long on but slows down towards the end and has to put in the dive. The ball pops out of the hands and Curran gets a singfe.

13.11

A direct hit and it would have been close! Flatter one angled across the right-hander, Liam Livingstone taps it to the left of Shai Hope at covers and scampers across for the single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 108/4

L Livingstone4 (6)

S Curran33 (27)

A Patel3-0-19-0

12.61

Keeps it full and slides it into the legs, Liam Livingstone wrists it towards fine leg and picks up a single. 67 needed now off 42 balls.

12.50

Nice and full at the stumps, Liam Livingstone plays it back to the bowler.

12.40

On a length and at the stumps, just sticking in the pitch a bit and Liam Livingstone manages to block it out.

12.31

Short and angled across the left-hander, Sam Curran stands tall and dabs it to deep point for a single.

12.22

Wow, that was so clean in the deep from David Warner! Full and straight, driven firmly back past the bowler by Sam Curran. Warner scampers across to his right at long on and dives in to grab the ball in one smooth motion and throws it back quickly as well. The batters get two runs.

12.11

Starts the new spell with a slider and gets it into the pads, Liam Livingstone tucks it around the corner for a run.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 103/4

L Livingstone2 (2)

S Curran30 (25)

K Yadav3-0-16-2

11.61

Floated up on middle and leg, Liam Livingstone presses forward and knocks the ball down to long on for yet another single.

11.51

Slows it up a bit and flights it on a length on middle and leg, Sam Curran flicks it past square leg for one more.

11.41

Tossed up on leg stump, worked away in front of square leg for a single.

Liam Livingstone walks out to bat next for Punjab.

11.3W

OUT! STUMPED! This time Rishabh Pant has his man and that is some average cricket from Jitesh Sharma. Kuldeep Yadav bowls this one flatter and pushes it across the right-hander. Jitesh looks for the reverse sweep but loses his balance a bit and ends up missing it. Pant collects the ball well and dislodges the bails quickly yet again. It is sent upstairs and the replays show that Jitesh got his whole body outside the crease when the bails came off and has to walk back after just getting a reprieve.

And again, Rishabh Pant has knocked the bails off in a flash. The umpire sends it upstairs for a check. The replays show that Jitesh Sharma is well outside the crease and Rishabh Pant gets his man this time around.

11.21

Floated up on a length around middle and turning away, Sam Curran covers the line and tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

11.11

Floated up full and well outside off stump, Jitesh Sharma looks to drag the sweep but gets it off the cue end of the bat towards short third for a quick single. Kuldeep isn't happy as Khaleel Ahmed was a bit sluggish in the field but Rishabh Pant calms things down.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 98/3

J Sharma8 (7)

S Curran28 (23)

S Kumar1-0-11-0

10.61

Nice and full on the stumps, Jitesh Sharma presents the full face of the bat and pushes it down to long on for a single.

10.54

FOUR! Not the length to bowl with that pace. Too short and too wide, Jitesh Sharma slaps the ball dead square on the off side and the ball races to the fence.

10.41

Pitches it up now around off, Sam Curran nudges it on the off side and they scamper across for a quick single.

10.34

FOUR! Too easy! Banged in halfway down the pitch at about 120 clicks and Sam Curran is able to pull it away well in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

10.21

Good length around off, steered away behind point for one.

10.10

NOT OUT! So close yet so far for Rishabh Pant and Delhi! Fuller in length and angling down the leg side, Jitesh Sharma walks forward and gets strangled down the leg side as Pant is super quick to move to his blind side, collect the ball and whip off the bails. It is sent upstairs and first the UltraEdge is checked. It shows a spike when the ball is next to the pads and the replays eventually show that Jitesh just managed to get back into the crease in time.

Is that out? Rishabh Pant is lightning fast on that stumping effort and the leg umpire sends it upstairs for a check. The replays roll and the ultraedge confirms that there was no spike as the ball passed the bat. Jitesh Sharma has his foot grounded in time and it will be NOT OUT!

Sumit Kumar has been handed the ball now.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 87/3

J Sharma2 (3)

S Curran23 (21)

K Yadav2-0-11-1

9.61

Fuller and into the stumps, Jitesh Sharma clears his front leg and works it to long on for a single.

9.50

Darts a yorker outside off, Jitesh Sharma fails to dig it out as the ball zips through to the keeper.

9.41

Floats this one fuller and just outside off, Sam Curran drives it to the left of cover and steal a single.

9.31

Off the mark straight away! Tossed up around off stumps line, Jitesh Sharma slices it to sweeper cover for a single.

Jitesh Sharma walks out to bat next for Punjab.

9.2W

OUT! CAUGHT! That's the wicket Delhi were looking for. Kuldeep Yadav bowls the wrong'un on a fuller length around middle and off, Prabhsimran Singh looks for the big heave but mistimes it off the toe end of the bat, straight to David Warner at long on who takes a simple reverse cup catch.

9.11lb

LEG BYES! Floats it up into the pads, Sam Curran looks to flick it but misses. The ball clips his front pad and rolls to the leg side as the batters cross.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 83/2

P Singh26 (16)

S Curran22 (19)

A Patel2-0-14-0

8.60

Goes fuller and attacks the off stump, Prabhsimran Singh presses ahead and blocks it to the off side.

8.51

Tossed up on middle and off, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

8.41

Bowls this on a fuller length and angles it into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to square leg region for a single.

8.34

FOUR! Muscled that one! Served on a shorter length, over the stumps, Prabhsimran Singh makes room and rocks back to slap it through covers for a boundary.

8.21

Shorter in length, just outside off, Sam Curran punches it to long on for a single.

8.11

Goes fuller and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh dances down the track and chips it in front oflong on for a single.

Strategic break! This has been a fine contest thus far and after Punjab got off to a thundering start, one over from Ishant Sharma has made things pretty even. However, Punjab are going hard at the opposition bowlers and both Prabhsimran Singh and Sam Curran look fairly set. Also, Delhi could be a bowler short after Ishant hobbled off the pitch and the spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will have to do the heavy-lifting if the are to win this clash.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 75/2

S Curran20 (17)

P Singh20 (12)

K Yadav1-0-8-0

7.60

Bowls this straighter and into the stumps, Sam Curran tucks it to mid-wicket.

7.54

FOUR! Beautifully done! Kuldeep digs this on a fuller length and into the pads, Sam Curran rocks back and pulls it along the ground square of the wicket towards deep square leg fence for a boundary.

7.41

Drags the length short, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh slaps it to long off for one.

7.31

Quicker and fuller, into the stumps, Sam Curran works it to mid-wicket for a single.

7.21

Sees the batter advance and pushes this wider on off, on a fuller length, Prabhsimran Singh manages to reach out and drill it straight past the bowler towards long off for a single.

7.11

Starts from over the wicket and bowls it fuller and into the stumps, Sam Curran rocks back and punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Spin from both ends as Kuldeep Yadav comes into the attack.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 67/2

S Curran14 (13)

P Singh18 (10)

A Patel1-0-6-0

6.61

Shorter and wider on off, Sam Curran with a cross bat punches it to long off for a single.

6.51

Angles it into the pads, on a fuller length, Prabhsimran Singh flicks it to square leg for a single.

6.41

Flights it into the pads, Sam Curran tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

6.32

Fuller on middle and off, Sam Curran drives it to wide of long on for a couple of runs.

6.21lb

LEG BYES! A loud appeal for LBW and there were doubts about that one but Rishabh Pant did go upstairs for the review. Bowls it fuller and on middle, drifting back into the right-hander, Prabhsimran Singh dances down the track to push it through off but misses as the ball onto his front pad. The replay shows that it was pad clipping first and but the ball tracking confirms that the ball was missing leg. The batters cross for a run.

Oh, Rishabh Pant has reviewed it! A prolonged appeal from Axar Patel for LBW but the umpire remained unmoved. The third umpire is called in and the ball seems to be in contact with bat and ball at the same time. The third umpire checks it thoroughly and deems that it is just pad and they move on to Ball Tracking which shows that the ball would have missed leg stump. The onfield call of NOT OUT stands!

6.11

Tossed up on middle and leg, Sam Curran tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel comes into the attack straight after the Powerplay.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 60/2

S Curran9 (9)

P Singh17 (8)

M Marsh2-0-16-0

5.61

Shorter and wider on off, Sam Curran slashes it to deep point for a single to end the powerplay. Punjab are well and truly on course to chase the total down.

5.50

A slight mixup but no damage done. Another fuller delivery outside off, Sam Curran pushes it to the left of point. Prabhsimran Singh sets off for thee run but is rightly sent back by Curran.

5.40

Bowls this wider on off, on a fuller length, Sam Curran drives it sweetly straight to the fielder at cover.

Halt! Oh, dear! Ishant Sharma is down on the deck and seems to be grimacing with pain. Ishant just twisted his right ankle while picking up the ball and had an awkward fall. The physio is out to have a look but hopefully, Sharma is fine. He does get up but is seen hobbling off the field with the physio and this could be a heavy blow to Delhi. Pravin Dubey comes in as a substitute fielder and after a prolonged halt, we are set to resume play.

5.31

Drags the length a bit on middle and takes pace off, Prabhsimran Singh tucks it to mid-wicket region for a single. Ishant Sharma seems to have hurt his ankle trying to stop the ball.

5.21

Angles it into the pads, on a fuller length, Sam Curran clips it to deep square leg for a single.

5.14

FOUR! Three in three for Punjab! Fuller delivery, just outside off, Sam Curran drills it through covers for a boundary.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 53/2

P Singh16 (7)

S Curran3 (4)

K Ahmed2-0-28-0

4.64

FOUR! Through the offside this time! Looks to go full and wide but Prabhsimran Singh is early to step out and thumps the ball past covers for back-to-back boundaries. 11 off that over and Khaleel Ahmed continues to prove expensive.

4.54

FOUR! In the zone and muscled away! A short ball, angled in from around the wicket and sitting up nicely for the batter. Prabhsimran Singh nails the pull and gets it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.41

Back of a length and around off, Sam Curran stands tall and punches it away through the gap at covers for a single.

4.32

Good length again around off stump, Sam Curran pushes at it and gets it off the inner half of the bat through square leg. There is a slight fumble in the deep which allows Curran to get back for the second run.

4.20

Nails the yorker now, full and in the blockhole around off stump, Sam Curran jams it out on the off side.

4.10

Good length in and around the stumps, Sam Curran blocks it off.

Khaleel Ahmed (1-0-17-0) comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 42/2

P Singh8 (5)

S Curran0 (0)

I Sharma2-0-16-1

3.60

Just short! Nagging length around off stump, Prabhsimran Singh is caught on the crease and almost ends up chipping it back to the bowler.

Sam Curran walks out to bat next for Punjab.

3.5W

OUT! RUN OUT! What an unfortunate way to get out for Jonny Bairstow and the tide has turned once again. Ishant Sharma sees Prabhsimran Singh coming down the pitch and just drags the length back a bit, angling it into the body. Singh checks his shot and pushes it with solid timing and straight back. The ball crashes into the stumps at the other end and Ishant is certain he got a finger on it and Bairstow seems to be in trouble here. The replays roll in and the third umpire is happy that the ball did get deflected off the fingers and Bairstow is out of his crease.

Is that out? Ishant Sharma might have got his fingers on the ball as it shatters the stumps at the nonstriker's end. Jonny Bairstow seems to be short of crease and the umpire sends it upstairs for a check. The replay confirms Jonny Bairstow is well short of crease and Punjab lose another wicket.

3.40

Back of a length and over off stump, Prabhsimran Singh stays back and keeps it out on the off side.

3.34

FOUR! A good effort from Tristan Stubbs but the ball went just too quickly. Hard length around off stump, Prabhsimran Singh gives the charge and hits it hard and well wide of mid off for another boundary. Punjab have come out with an aggressive mindset here.

3.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Comes from over the stumps now and bowls it a bit full, angling it into off stump and getting it to nip away a bit. Prabhsimran Singh gets squared up and gets an outside edge in between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

Prabhsimran Singh walks out to bat at number 3 for Punjab.

3.1W

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Ishant Sharma with an improved line and he gets the better of Shikhar Dhawan here. Ishant steams in and bowls it around the top of the stumps, angling it in from around off stump. Dhawan, in a punishing mood, comes down the pitch and looks to hoick it over mid-wicket but is beaten all ends up and the stumps are shattered. A big breakthrough for Delhi as Dhawan departs after a quick start.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 34/0

S Dhawan22 (15)

J Bairstow9 (3)

M Marsh1-0-9-0

2.61

Goes very full and around off stump, Shikhar Dhawan drives it away towards David Warner at sweeper cover for a single.

2.50

Bowled back of a length and around off, blocked off the back foot in front of covers.

2.42

Excellent effort in the deep from David Warner! Short and wide, cut away by Shikhar Dhawan behind point. Warner scampers across to his left and puts in the dive but the ball rolls off his body and yet he manages to hustle and keep it in play. Two runs are taken.

2.31

Hits the deck hard and extracts some extra bounce off the deck as well. Jonny Bairstow manages to keep it down and plays it back past the bowler for one more.

2.21

Pitched up on middle, Shikhar Dhawan with a gentle push off the full face of the bat and he scampers across for one as the ball just goes past the stumps at the other end.

2.14

FOUR! Just wide of the fielder but once again, there's just too much width on offer from the Delhi bowlers. Full and wide outside off, Shikhar Dhawan is able to free his arms and slaps the ball wide of the diving fielder at point for a boundary.

Mitchell Marsh is introduced into the attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 25/0

S Dhawan14 (10)

J Bairstow8 (2)

I Sharma1-0-8-0

1.61

Slightly uppish but safe enough! Pitched up in and around the off stump, Shikhar Dhawan just checks the drive and pushes at it. The ball goes in between mid off and cover and they get a single as well.

1.50

A stifled appeal for LBW but no one supports the bowler here. Good length around middle and angling in, Shikhar Dhawan looks to get inside the line and flick it away but misses. The ball goes off the pads to short fine leg for no run.

1.40

Shortens the length a bit more and bowls it around off, Shikhar Dhawan looks to come forward but has to adjust and play it out on the off side.

1.30

Looks to use his feet but Ishant Sharma drags the length a bit and angles it into the body. Shikhar Dhawan manages to fend it away to the off side.

1.20

Gets it right this time! Fuller one on the fifth stump line, angling in and then seaming away. Shikhar Dhawan plays well inside the line this time.

1.21wd

WIDE! All that momentum built-up at the end of the first innings has been thrown away here by Delhi. Good length and flirting with the tramline outside off, called a wide as the ball nips away.

1.14

FOUR! Gives the charge and gets full purchase! Slightly short and wide, Shikhar Dhawan comes down the track and smashes the ball square through covers for a boundary. It is carnage out there at the moment from Punjab's openers.

1.11wd

WIDE! And again! Nice and full, good seam presentation but it is bowled just a bit too wide outside the off stump.

1.11wd

WIDE! Wayward start from the veteran! Comes from around the stumps and bowls it full and wide, beyond the tramline for an extra.

Ishant Sharma to share the new ball from the other end.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 17/0

J Bairstow8 (2)

S Dhawan9 (4)

K Ahmed1-0-17-0

0.64

FOUR! Wow, that is some shot and that is some first over of the chase! Overpitched again and outside off, Jonny Bairstow with a gentle push off the front foot and the timing just takes the ball racing through covers and into the fence. 17 off the over, one to forget for Khaleel Ahmed.

0.54

FOUR! That is pure class from Jonny Bairstow! Length ball on off and angling across, Bairstow stays put, no foot movement and just glides the ball away perfectly to third man for a boundary.

0.41

Keeps it full and angles it into the legs of the batter, Shikhar Dhawan gets inside the line and flicks it away to the left of deep backward square leg for a single.

0.34

FOUR! More width on offer and the outfield is electric fast. Pitched up full and wide, looking for some swing, Shikhar Dhawan just throws his hands at it and gets it well wide of third man for another boundary.

0.20

Much better from Khaleel Ahmed! Brings the line much closer to the off stump and bowls it slightly back of a length. Shikhar Dhawan stays back and punches it away to point.

0.14

FOUR! A fast start for Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab! Loose delivery from Khaleel Ahmed to begin with as he bowls it short and wide outside off, seaming away a bit. Dhawan latches onto it and taps it through cover-point for a boundary.

Commentary

We are back with the chase! The two umpires make their way to the middle followed by the Delhi fielders who are taking the field. It will be the skipper, Shikhar Dhawan alongside Jonny Bairstow to open the innings for Punjab. Khaleel Ahmed has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for Delhi. Away we go..

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Punjab's bowling unit faced initial struggles as they grappled to find their rhythm, leaking runs in the early overs. However, it was Arshdeep Singh who provided the breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the fourth over. A counterattacking second-wicket partnership was swiftly dismantled by Harshal Patel, who sent David Warner back to the pavilion. Subsequently, Punjab's bowlers tightened their lines and executed their plans meticulously. Harshal Patel emerged as the standout performer in the middle overs, utilizing bouncers and slower deliveries effectively to spearhead Punjab's resurgence in the game until that last over where he was taken aback by the heroics of Abishek Porel who racked 25 runs to take Delhi to a formidable total of 174 runs. With the momentum swinging back in Delhi's favour, the chase is undoubtedly going to be a challenging one for Punjab. Will they be successful in chasing it down at their new home ground? Let's find out shortly as the second innings comes to you in a bit.

Abishek Porel, the man of the moment is down for a chat and says that he got to know just when 3 overs were left that he had to go out to bat but was ready for it. Adds that the practice he put in the nets, he just wanted to carry the same into the game as well. Mentions that he wanted to see the ball and hit the ball and not just swing blindly. Reckons that the score they put on is a good one and they have the bowling to defend it.

After being put into bat first, Delhi got off to a scintillating start, courtesy of the Australian duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Both openers launched a relentless assault on the Punjab bowlers, defying the expected slower nature of the pitch. Despite Marsh's departure within the Powerplay after some aggressive strokes, Shai Hope seamlessly continued the onslaught alongside Warner. Their brisk 35-run partnership was brought to an end with Warner's dismissal. Shortly thereafter, Hope also fell, leaving Delhi in a precarious position. Rishabh Pant got off to a start but couldn't capitalize on it. Delhi lost wickets in quick succession which put them on the backfoot. A strong recovery seemed elusive until their Impact Player, Abishek Porel, arrived late in the innings and unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to propel the side to a total of 174 runs. The coaches took a risk of not bringing on an extra bowler and it seems to have paid off but it does mean, Delhi will be a bowler short.

Wow, what a thrilling conclusion to Delhi's innings as they finish at 174 runs! Abishek Porel's explosive cameo of 32 runs off just 10 balls has once again turned the tide in Delhi's favour. His blistering innings has not only propelled Delhi to a formidable total but also injected momentum going into the break.

Runs Scored 25 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 174/9

A Porel32 (10)

K Yadav1 (2)

H Patel4-0-47-2

19.61W

OUT! RUN OUT! Delhi end the innings by losing their ninth wicket but it doesn't matter as Abishek Porel has turned the game on its head in the final over. Harshal Patel bowls it full and straight, Porel punches the ball down to long on and the batters push for two as it is the final delivery. The fielder in the deep, Shashank Singh picks up the ball quickly and fires in a throw at the bowler's end. Harshal whips off the bails and Kuldeep Yadav isn't even in the frame. Delhi finish with 174/9 on the board!

19.56

SIX! BANG! Abishek Porel, you beauty! Slightly short and over the stumps, Porel with a neutral stance and that allows him to go either side of the wicket and this time he just pulls it away deep into the stands over the mid-wicket fence to make it 24 runs in the over with one ball remaining.

19.44

FOUR! Yes, it sure seems like it and Abishek Porel is playing some unbelievable shots here. Back to over the stumps and banged in a bit over off stump, angling across. Porel stays put and just dabs the ball over short third and picks up yet another boundary.

19.34

FOUR! The Impact Player is making a huge impact! Comes from around the stumps and angles in another short ball, pace on and into the body, Abishek Porel swivels around and pulls it away well behind square leg for a boundary. 14 already off the over, still 3 deliveries remain. Can Porel push Delhi's total upwards of 170?

19.26

SIX! Wow, what a cracking sound the ball made off the bat! Pitched up right in the slot and Abishek Porel picks the slower one too. Porel shuffles across a touch and whacks the ball a mile high and into the stands over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

19.14

FOUR! Gets enough bat on it and Abishek Porel picks up a handy boundary for Delhi. Slower bumper over the stumps and angling into the helmet, Porel manages to get on top of it and pull it just over backward square leg for four runs.

Prabhsimran Singh comes in as an impact player for Punjab replacing Arshdeep Singh.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 149/8

K Yadav1 (2)

A Porel7 (4)

A Singh4-0-28-2

18.60

Good short ball, quick and outside off, zipping through, Kuldeep Yadav looks to guide it away to third man but misses out.

18.51

Short and outside off, slapped away to deep cover for a single.

18.41

A direct git and Kuldeep Yadav would have had to walk back! On a length over off, Kuldeep Yadav opens the bat face and tucks it in front of backward point and sets off for the run, Jonny Bairstow collects the ball and throws at the nonstriker's end with Kuldeep Yadav not even in the frame. The ball doesn't hit the stumps and Delhi get a single added to their tally of runs.

Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat next for Delhi.

18.3W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Arshdeep Singh gets his second and Delhi lose their 8th. Singh steams from around the wicket and bowls it fuller outside off, Sumit Kumar takes a step out and looks to swing hard but only manages to get an outside edge straight into the safe custody of Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps.

18.20

Bangs it short and over middle at 134.4 kph, Sumit Kumar looks to cut it square on off but misses.

18.21wd

WIDE! A quick bumper now outside off stump, Sumit Kumar sways away from the line of the ball and it swerves away as well. This is called a wide but Punjab have challenged it. The third umpire checks the replays and deems it over head height. The wide call stands.

18.10

Top delivery! Comes from around the wicket and bowls a slower short ball outside off, this one angles in and Sumit Kumar is well beaten on the cut.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-25-1) is brought back into the attack to bowl his final over.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 146/7

A Porel6 (3)

S Kumar2 (6)

H Patel3-0-22-2

17.64

FOUR! A bit streaky but Abishek Porel will take it with both hands. Full and wide, a bit too wide though as Porel is able to free his hands and cuts it off the outside edge fine of third man for a boundary.

17.51

Another slower one, banged into the deck and outside off, Sumit Kumar stays put and just angles the bat to play the ball through mid-wicket for another single. Sumit wanted the second run but Abishek Porel sent him back.

17.41

Well short and slow too outside off, Abishek Porel works hard to get on top of the bounce and just about manages to pull it down in front of mid-wicket for one.

17.31lb

Leg bye! switches to over the wicket for the right-hander and angles it in on a hard length into the pads. Sumit Kumar fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the pads past square leg. They get a leg bye.

17.21

Nice and full outside off stump, Abishek Porel leans on and pushes it to covers for one.

Abishek Porel walks out to bat next for Delhi as an Impact Player replacing Ricky Bhui.

17.11W

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! That is a huge wicket as Axar Patel has been run out here. Harshal Patel comes from around the stumps and bowls it short and into the body, taking pace off as well. Axar hops and tucks it away through square leg for one and they look for two but there is slight hesitation from the batters. The substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajann attacks the ball well and fires in a flat throw at the keeper's end. Jitesh Sharma whips off the bails and the replays show that Axar is just short of his crease.

Harshal Patel (2-0-14-2) comes back to bowl.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 137/6

A Patel20 (12)

S Kumar1 (4)

K Rabada4-0-36-1

16.61

Banged halfway into the deck and around off stump but takes pace off, Axar Patel hops and is able to dab it down to the right of short third for a single.

16.51

Short ball angled into the body, Sumit Kumar half-pulls it through backward square leg and turns the strike over.

16.40

Back of a length and outside off, Sumit Kumar lets the ball come on and taps it to point.

16.31

Back of a length over middle and leg, Axar Patel hops and tucks it off the hips through mid-wicket for one. He looks for two but Sumit Kumar sends him back.

16.26

SIX! Just over! A bit of luck going Delhi's way and they sure needed it as well. Banged in quick and short outside off, Axar Patel sees the width and gives it a whip. The ball takes the top edge and flies over Arshdeep Singh at third man for a maximum.

16.10

Starts from around the stumps and bowls it on a good length around off, trying to angle it into the top of off stump. Axar Patel stays back and nudges it down with soft hands to short third.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 128/6

S Kumar0 (2)

A Patel12 (8)

R Chahar4-0-33-1

15.60

Should have been an easy single but hesitation in the middle means it will be a dot ball. Full again and around off, Sumit Kumar plays it wide of cover-point but the fielder scampers across and makes the stop. Just 4 runs and a wicket off Chahar's last over.

15.50

This is pushed through fuller and into the batter, Sumit Kumar tentatively plays it to the right of the bowler.

Strategic break! Delhi look to be in dire straits as they are losing wickets at regular intervals and Punjab have bowled pretty well. The top order of Delhi scored runs but none of them went on to score a fifty or so and there is a lot of work to be done by the lower order. Punjab on the other hand have comeback really strongly after facing an early onslaught and will look to bundle out the opposition. Also, Sumit Kumar comes in to make his debut.

15.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Rahul Chahar picks up his first wicket. Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, Tristan Stubbs makes a bit of room and looks to go inside-out over covers but ends up just chipping it towards wide long off. Shashank Singh at long off covers good ground and dives across to his left to take a fine catch with both hands. Stubbs will feel he should have had a bit more flourish in that shot and Delhi continue to be under the pump.

15.32

Keeps bowling it short and around off, Tristan Stubbs rocks back nicely and punches it away wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

15.21

Short again and sliding across off stump, Axar Patel stands tall and cuts it behind point for one more.

15.11

Shorter in length, pushed into leg stump, Tristan Stubbs stays on the back foot and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Rahul Chahar (3-0-29-0) to bowl out now.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 124/5

A Patel11 (7)

T Stubbs2 (5)

A Singh3-0-25-1

14.60

Goes fuller and attacks the stumps, Axar Patel takes his front leg out and drives it to mid off.

14.54

FOUR! Top, top shot! Served on a length, just outside off, Axar Patel waits for it and slashes it through point for a welcome boundary.

14.42

Digs this short and over off, Axar Patel slashes it over point for a couple of runs. The fielder from wide third man chases the ball and cuts it off well to keep it down to just two.

14.30

Pitches this fuller and on the off stump line, Axar Patel drives it beautifully but straight to mid off.

14.21

Bowls it on a good length, over top of off, Tristan Stubbs tucks it to long on for a single.

14.10

Steams from around the wicket and bowls it fuller and attacks the stumps, Tristan Stubbs blocks it back to the bowler.

Arshdeep Singh (2-0-18-1) is brought back into the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 117/5

A Patel5 (3)

T Stubbs1 (3)

H Brar3-0-14-1

13.60

A half-hearted appeal for LBW! A fuller delivery on middle and leg, Axar Patel looks to tuck it square on leg but misses. The ball thuds his high on the front pad.

13.51

Off the mark! Floated delivery into the stumps, Tristan Stubbs makes room and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

13.41

Drops the length short, over off, Axar Patel rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

13.34

FOUR! Edged and races away! Brar floats it up, outside off, Axar Patel looks to push it straight but gets a thick outside edge past the keeper to third man fence for a boundary.

Axar Patel walks in with Delhi in a spot of some bother.

13.2W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A huge appeal from Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps for a caught behind and the umpire calls it a wide. Shikhar Dhawan sends it upstairs for the review. Brar bowls it on a nagging length, but down leg, Ricky Bhui looks to help it on the way but delays his shot a nit and seems to have edged it. The UltraEdge shows that there was a spike as the ball passed the gloves and the umpire is asked to overturn his decision to OUT! Punjab have pulled back things beautifully and Delhi lose half their side.

13.10

Fuller in length, on middle and off, Ricky Bhui presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 111/4

T Stubbs0 (2)

R Bhui3 (5)

H Patel2-0-14-2

12.60

Bangs the deck hard on off, with pace off, Tristan Stubbs looks to pull but withdraws as the ball keeps low. The ball catches the toe end of the bat and trickles away to the keeper.

12.50

Bowls this fuller and on off, Tristan Stubbs drives it to mid off.

Tristan Stubbs is the new man in.

12.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Harshal Patel gets his second and it's a soft dismissal for Rishabh Pant in his comeback match. Harshal Patel takes pace off and digs it short outside off, Rishabh Pant misjudged the pace and looks for the uppercut. He spoons it straight into the bread basket of Jonny Bairstow at backward point and Harshal makes amends for that dropped catch.

12.32

Bowls fuller and wider on off, Rishabh Pant takes a step out and makes room to loft it over cover for a couple more. Rishabh Pant making his intentions clear!

12.24

FOUR! Crisp shot! Fuller delivery outside off, Rishabh Pant leans on it and creams it through covers for a boundary.

12.12

Bangs it short and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant flicks it to left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Harshal Patel (1-0-6-1) is back on.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 103/3

R Pant10 (9)

R Bhui3 (5)

R Chahar3-0-29-0

11.61

Quicker this time, on a fuller length and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant mistimes his sweep to square leg for just a single.

11.51

Flights this fuller around off stump line, Ricky Bhui punches it to long off for a single.

11.40

Bowls this up on middle and off, Ricky Bhui cuts it to backward point for no run.

11.31

Fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant tucks it to square leg for a single.

11.24

FOUR! DROPPED! Harshal Patel makes a mess of it. Shorter in length, over off, Rishabh Pant rocks back and pulls it straight to deep square leg. Harshal Patel gets to his left and misses the ball completely as the ball gets through his hands to the ropes for a boundary. The 100 also comes up for Delhi.

11.11

Misses out on that one does Ricky Bhui! Chahar bowls a full toss on off, Ricky Bhui mistimes his pull to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 95/3

R Bhui1 (2)

R Pant4 (6)

K Rabada3-0-27-1

10.61

Off the mark! On a good length, outside off, Ricky Bhui cuts it to third man and takes the single.

10.50

Bangs it on a length, outside off, Ricky Bhui cuts it point off the inner half of the bat.

Ricky Bhui walks in at number 5.

10.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada gets the better of Shai Hope who looked so good. Bowls this fuller and just outside off, Shai Hope frees his arms and looks for the drive but gets it straight to short cover. Harpreet Brar dives to his front and takes a good low catch to see the back of Shai Hope.

10.36

SIX! Absolutely hammered! Rabada drops the length a bit over off, Shai Hope with a big bat swing whacks it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

10.21

A tad shorter in length, over off, Rishabh Pant bends back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

10.11

Bowls it on a hard length and on middle and leg, Shai Hope makes a bit of room to tuck it to long on for a single.

Kagiso Rabada (2-0-18-0) is back on.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 86/2

S Hope26 (22)

R Pant3 (5)

R Chahar2-0-21-0

9.61

Drags the length back and slides it into middle and leg, Shai Hope stays back and works it away well in front of mid-wicket for another single.

9.51

Fuller on leg stump, this is reverse-swept just behind point for a run.

9.40

Misses it completely! Takes pace off and flights it up on a dragged length around off, Rishabh Pant comes down the pitch, looking for the big heave but only gets hit on the body.

9.31

Drags the length back and bowls it on middle and leg, Shai Hope pulls it down to wide long on for a single.

9.24

FOUR! Slogged away into the gap! This is floated up again on a length, Shai Hope gets down on one knee, reaches forward a bit and slogs it in between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

9.10

Pushed through a bit fuller around middle, Shai Hope leans on and drives it away to covers.

Strategic break! Delhi has indeed laid a solid foundation, courtesy of their Australian duo at the top of the order. With the stage set, Rishabh Pant and Shai Hope will be eager to capitalize on this platform and steer their team towards a formidable first-innings total. Punjab's breakthrough with the dismissal of David Warner has injected new energy into their side. With this crucial wicket, they will now be aiming to capitalize on the momentum and take a few more key wickets to claw their way back into the game.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 79/2

S Hope20 (18)

R Pant2 (3)

H Brar2-0-8-0

8.61

A fifth single to end the over as Shai Hope pushes the flatter ball on middle down to long on.

8.51

Sees Pant advancing and bowls it quick and full outside off, Pant steers it away in front of mid-wicket for another single.

8.41

Flatter ball around the top of off and middle, Shai Hope stays back and punches it away through covers for one more.

8.31

On a fuller length and around middle, Rishabh Pant neatly flicks it away through mid-wicket for one and gets off the mark as well.

8.20

Bowled full and quick, angled well across the left-hander, Rishabh Pant reaches out and loses his shape a bit before hitting it straight to point.

8.11

Pushed through quick and flat outside off, Shai Hope slaps it away to deep point for a run.

The captain of Delhi, Rishabh Pant walks out to bat next. The crowd welcomes this star with a thunderous applause.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 74/2

D Warner29 (21)

S Hope17 (15)

H Patel1-0-6-1

7.6W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Harshal Patel makes an instant impact for his new side and gets rid of the dangerman. Harshal brings out his renowned slower delivery and bowls it well short over middle and leg and gets it at an awkward height right around the helmet. David Warner tries to ride the bounce and play a controlled pull shot but fails to get it under control. Jitesh Sharma dives forward and grabs a catch but the onfield umpire stays put. It is reviewed and we can see a clear spike on the replays and Warner has to walk back.

Is David Warner out? Punjab appeal for a caught behind which is given NOT OUT by the onfield umpire. Shikhar Dhawan sends it upstairs for a review. The ultraedge shows a spike and the umpire has to overturn his decision to OUT!

7.51

Full and outside off stump, Shai Hope drills the ball to the left of Shikhar Dhawan at mid off and scampers across for a quick single, good running.

7.41

Slower one, banged into the and angled across off stump, David Warner hops to the off side and dabs it down through cover-point for a single.

7.30

On a fuller length on leg stump and sliding across, David Warner stays leg side of the ball and strokes it straight to short cover.

7.20

Goes full again, around off and gets it in the blockhole this time, David Warner digs it out on the off side.

7.14

FOUR! Sublime timing from David Warner! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full and wide outside the off stump, Warner with a forward-press nails the cover drive and picks up four more runs.

Harshal Patel is introduced into the attack.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 68/1

S Hope16 (14)

D Warner24 (16)

R Chahar1-0-14-0

6.64

FOUR! Oh, dear! Rahul Chahar won't be happy with that. Short and wide, Shai Hope rocks back and cuts it straight to point where the fielder lets the ball through for a boundary. 14 easy runs off that over.

6.56

SIX! Top shot! Pitched up on leg stump, right in the slot, Shai Hope clears the front leg and hits through the line, depositing the ball over long on for a biggie.

6.41

Good call in the end from Shai Hope. This is pushed through on middle and leg, David Warner works it away in front of mid-wicket and into the gap and looks for two right away. The fielder though comes in quickly and eventually, they settle for one.

6.31

On the shorter side and turning away from outside off stump, Shai Hope reaches out and taps it away in front of point for another single.

6.21

Nagging length on middle and looking to turn it back in, David Warner stays back and tucks it away through mid-wicket for one. He looks for two but it isn't there.

6.11

Rahul Chahar starts off with a shortish ball around off stump, Shai Hope stays put and slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 54/1

S Hope4 (10)

D Warner22 (14)

H Brar1-0-3-0

5.61

Nice and full around off, Shai Hope makes room and drives it away to deep cover for one more. At the end of the Powerplay, Delhi are 54/1!

5.51

On the shorter side over middle, pulled off the back foot wide of mid on for a single.

5.40

Fractionally short and wide, David Warner backs away to cut but is unable to pierce the gap at point.

5.31

On the bounce! Bowled flatter and into the batter, Shai Hope stays leg side of the ball and muscles it away to Liam Livingstone at deep mid-wicket for a single.

5.20

On middle, gripping just a bit, Shai Hope looks to cut it away but miscues it back onto the deck.

5.10

Darts it in at the batter and on a fuller length, Shai Hope backs away and pushes it out to the left of the bowler.

Harpreet Brar has been handed the ball now.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 51/1

D Warner21 (12)

S Hope2 (6)

K Rabada2-0-18-0

4.60

Bowls this on a good length and just outside off, David Warner looks to cut it square on off but gets beaten on the inside edge.

4.56

SIX! Innovation at its very best from David Warner! Kagiso Rabada bowls this fuller and outside off, David Warner gets across the line and picks the length perfectly to flick it over fine leg for a biggie!

4.44

FOUR! David Warner makes it look very easy! Rabada bowls it fuller and outside off, David Warner extends his arms to reach the ball and slaps it through covers for a boundary.

4.30

Bowls this on a fuller length, just around that fourth stump line, David Warner looks for the big slog but gets an inside edge past the leg stump to the keeper.

4.21

Digs it short and outside off, Shai Hope hops and slashes it uppishly to wide third man for a single.

4.10

Steams from over the wicket and bowls it nicely on a hard length, on off, Shai Hope opens the bat face and steers it to short third.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 40/1

S Hope1 (4)

D Warner11 (8)

A Singh2-0-18-1

3.61

Goes fuller this time just outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to point and steals a single.

3.50

Bangs it into the deck on a good length and over middle and off, Shai Hope blocks it back onto the deck.

3.40

Comes from wider of the crease and darts a yorker into the stumps, Shai Hope digs it well to mid on.

3.30

Bowls this fuller and outside off, Shai Hope opens the bat face and pushes it to point.

Shai Hope comes in to make his Indian T20 League debut.

3.2W

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight into the hands and Mitchell Marsh cannot believe it! Arshdeep Singh goes full again but angles it across a bit wider. Marsh throws the hands at it as he looks to go up and over covers but ends up slicing it towards cover-point. Rahul Chahar there takes a sharp catch just over his head and Arshdeep has put an end to Delhi's early carnage.

3.16

SIX! Wow, that's some shot! A fuller delivery, outside off, Mitchell Marsh plants his front leg out and lofts it over mid off for a maximum.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 33/0

D Warner11 (8)

M Marsh14 (10)

K Rabada1-0-7-0

2.60

Angles this across on a shortish length, on off, David Warner tucks it to short cover.

2.51lb

LEG BYES! Bangs it on a good length and into the pads, Mitchell Marsh looks to tuck it on on the leg side but misses. The ball clips his pads and rolls to the leg side. The batters cross.

2.40

On a length, just outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it to cover.

2.34lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Bangs it short and hits the deck hard over middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh looks to pull but misses by a whisker. The ball clips him high on the forearm and trickles away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

2.20

A good comeback delviery this! On a hard length, on top of off, Mitchell Marsh taps it to the off side.

2.16

SIX! Mitchell Marsh, you beauty! Rabada digs this short and over middle, Mitchell Marsh swivels a bit in the crease and pulls it handsomely over backward square leg for a biggie. This is a shot by a batter in prime form.

2.11wd

WIDE! Starts with an extra. Steams from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, angling it down leg, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone for the keeper to collect to his left.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 21/0

D Warner11 (7)

M Marsh8 (5)

A Singh1-0-11-0

1.60

Beaten! Bowls this fuller and in that channel around off, David Warner looks to drive it straight but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

An early change in the bowling as Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack.

1.61wd

WIDE! Tries for an away swinger and bowls this one on a length, but wayward on off, David Warner looks to reach for it and cut it square but misses.

1.50

Goes a touch fuller in length and on off, David Warner taps it to left off short cover.

1.44

FOUR! Easy pickings this for David Warner! Arshdeep Singh offers width outside off, on a length, David Warner slaps it through covers for a boundary.

1.36

SIX! BOOM! That's the first one for Delhi! Short of a length, on off, David Warner stays back and nails his pull for a flat maximum over deep square leg.

1.20

Straightens the line here on a fuller length and into the stumps, David Warner dabs it back to the bowler.

1.10

Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length, outside off, David Warner stays put and extends his arms to cut it straight to point.

More left-arm seam as Arshdeep Singh comes in to bowl from the other end.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 10/0

M Marsh8 (5)

D Warner1 (1)

S Curran1-0-10-0

0.60

Hurls this on a good length, around off, Mitchell Marsh hops back and stabs it back onto the deck. A great start for Delhi as they rack 10 runs off the first over.

0.50

Pitches this one fuller and outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it neatly but straight to cover.

0.51wd

WIDE! Bowls this on a good length, but down leg. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone for a wide.

0.40

Goes fuller and just outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a step out and drives it to right of Kagiso Rabada at mid off who does well to stop that one.

0.34

FOUR! Mitchell Marsh is up and running in some style as he gets two in a row.  Fuller delivery, on leg, Mitchell Marsh flicks it with ease past short fine for another boundary.

0.24

FOUR! What a start this for Mitchell Marsh. Curran errs in line and bowls this on a length and into the pads, Mitchell Marsh just trickles it past short fine leg for a boundary.

0.11

Delhi and David Warner are underway! Sam Curran starts from over the wicket and hurls this fuller and into the stumps, David Warner tucks it to mid-wicket region and gets to the other end.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle as the players of Punjab can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. It will be the Aussie duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh to open the innings for Delhi. Sam Curran has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Mitchell Marsh is down for a chat. He says that it is important to get off to good starts and is excited to play at a new venue. Mentions that there are some areas of improvement as they were 0 and 5 at the start of last season and will look to rectify that. Reckons that it is an incredible story of Rishabh Pant's and it is great to see the leader of their group back to enjoying the game and reckons he is a natural leader.

Rishabh Pant the skipper of Delhi says they would have batted first anyway as the wicket looks good despite it being on the slower side. Adds that it is emotional but he doesn't want to think too much but enjoy his first match. States that he is not worried about what happened last season and wants to focus on this season and do well. Mentions that they have prepared well and are excited for this season. Concludes that David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs are the overseas players in their playing XI.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that they will field first as it is a new pitch and they haven't played much cricket here, so, would want to have a look first. Adds that they have had a few changes in the process and strategies and it will impact their season. Reckons that they have played one practice match here and are accustomed to it a bit and he appreciates the PCA for the venue. Informs that they have Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada as their four overseas players.

Impact players nominated by Delhi -  Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Vicky Ostwal, Pravin Dubey.

Delhi (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (C)(WK), Ricky Bhui, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma.

Impact players nominated by Punjab - Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Harpreet Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Punjab (Playing XI) - Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh.

TOSS - Punjab win the coin flip and opt to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Daren Ganga is pitchside and says that it is the 36th venue to be used in the tournament's history. Adds that it is 75 meters straight and on one side square it is 64 meters. Matthew Hayden joins him and says that generally, cricketers do not like change but the pitch is hard and it is a black soil pitch without much grass on it which means the bowlers won't be entirely happy. Reckons that there is a breeze blowing sideways and mentions that it won't be quite as high-scoring as Mohali.

All eyes will indeed be fixated on the highly-anticipated return of superstar Rishabh Pant, marking his comeback after a harrowing 14-month hiatus following a life-threatening car accident. As he resumes his captaincy duties for Delhi, Pant's fervour to reignite his team's fortunes after a lacklustre previous season in his absence is palpable. Despite the absence of Harry Brook, Delhi's overseas contingent remains robust, with the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope and the burgeoning talent Tristan Stubbs. The addition of Australian powerhouse Jake Fraser-McGurk further bolsters their formidable batting lineup, capable of dismantling any opposition. In the bowling department, the spin wizardry of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, coupled with the pace prowess of Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar solidifies Delhi's status as a formidable force on the field. With both teams vying for their maiden title, the stakes are high as they look to start this season with a win. Who do you think will come out victorious in this exciting game? We shall soon find out as the Toss and team news comes to you in a bit.

Punjab, under the seasoned leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, presents a formidable ensemble, boasting a roster brimming with talent and promise. The resurgence of Jonny Bairstow adds significant firepower to their batting arsenal, augmenting an already potent lineup. With overseas stalwarts like Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza and Rilee Rossouw the team can further fortify their batting prowess, ensuring depth and resilience. Spearheaded by the lethal duo of Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, Punjab's bowling contingent exudes potency and depth, complemented by the all-round skills of Harshal Patel. With the spin wizardry of Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar adding another dimension to their attack, Punjab emerges as a well-rounded force, poised to make a formidable impact this season.

Hello and a warm welcome to an electrifying showdown in Match 2 of this season's Indian T20 League, poised to ignite the atmosphere at the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, nestled in the vibrant city of Mullanpur, Mohali. With a fresh home base at their disposal, Punjab set their sights on a transformative turn of luck as they brace themselves to take on the formidable squad from Delhi. Anticipation is rife as we eagerly await what promises to be a riveting clash of two strong teams this season.

... MATCH DAY ...

A blockbuster clash on the opening night has well and truly set things in motion for what's about to unfold over the next nine weeks in the 2024 Indian T20 League. In the first of many double-header days, Punjab face Delhi at the newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, marking a shift from their traditional Mohali home ground. Having not managed to qualify for the playoffs since 2014, Punjab aim for a turnaround in fortunes with the change in venue. Punjab flattered to deceive last year, finishing 8th with 6 wins from 14 games. Shikhar Dhawan has been entrusted with the leadership role once again, and he will look to lead his team into the playoffs this time out. Having missed the previous edition of the Indian T20 League due to a freak leg injury, the return of Jonny Bairstow is a massive boost to their batting. In the batting department, Sikandar Raza and Liam Livingstone are the other two overseas options, and both can chip in with the ball too. Punjab went in for Proteas batter Rilee Rossouw at the auction, which has given them another option to choose from. From the Indian contingent, Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh did the heavy lifting for them in the previous season, and other than these two, the onus will also be on the newly appointed vice-captain, Jitesh Sharma. Although it was a costly buy, Punjab made a smart move at the auction by adding death-overs specialist Harshal Patel to their ranks. He will complement Arshdeep Singh and the overseas pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Nathan Ellis, who have been retained by Punjab. Coming to their spin contingent, they have shown faith in the likes of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, who will have to put in a much better shift than what they did in 2023. As for Delhi, the return of their young and energetic skipper, Rishabh Pant, has been the biggest talking point, not just for the franchise but for the league in general. How he fares in his first season since a life-threatening accident is a different story, but his presence will certainly be a massive boost for Delhi. Pant will be at the helm of affairs, and he will be determined to take the side to greater heights, who finished second-from-bottom in his absence last year. Talking about their team composition this season, one thing that stands out is the presence of quality overseas batters. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh were retained by the franchise, and they added more firepower at the auction in the form of Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs. They will be without the services of Harry Brook, one of their auction buys, who opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. In a bid to add more depth to the batting, Delhi roped in Jake Fraser-McGurk as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi. As far as their pace bowling resources are concerned, Anrich Nortje will lead the attack, but there are doubts over his fitness as he is returning from a long injury layoff. Keeping this in mind, they acquired the services of Aussie quick Jhye Richardson at the auction as a backup for the Proteas pacer. Amongst the Indian talent pool, Prithvi Shaw and Yash Dhull are the big names in their batting department, while the trio of Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav make up a strong spin attack. Having had the valuable experience of playing for India under his belt, Mukesh Kumar is a much-improved bowler now. Ishant Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed are the other experienced Indian pace bowling options Pant will have at his disposal. Delhi have the wood over Punjab, having won four of the last five meetings between these two sides. Will Delhi extend their dominance, or will Punjab triumph in their home ground debut? We shall find out.