Introduction: A Clash of Playoff Hopefuls
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) squared off in a high-stakes encounter that had major implications for the IPL playoff race. With both teams needing victories to keep their postseason dreams alive, the match delivered edge-of-the-seat drama, culminating in a heart-stopping finish where PBKS triumphed by 12 runs. The hero of the night? Arshdeep Singh, whose four-wicket haul dismantled DC’s chase and sent the Mohali crowd into a frenzy.
First Innings: PBKS Post a Competitive Total
Powerplay: Cautious Start
PBKS openers walked in with intent but faced disciplined bowling from DC’s new-ball pair. The first six overs yielded just 45 runs, with the loss of one wicket. The pitch offered some early movement, and DC’s bowlers exploited it well, keeping the scoring rate in check.
Middle Overs: Liam Livingstone’s Counterattack
The game shifted when Liam Livingstone arrived at the crease. The English powerhouse launched a brutal assault on DC’s spinners, smashing three sixes in a single over. His 42 off 24 balls provided the much-needed momentum, while Shikhar Dhawan anchored the innings with a gritty 57.
Death Overs: Late Flourish Takes PBKS to 178
A flurry of boundaries in the final three overs, courtesy of Jitesh Sharma (28* off 15), pushed PBKS to a respectable 178/6. DC’s death bowling was slightly erratic, with Khaleel Ahmed leaking 19 runs in the 19th over.
Key Moments:
- Livingstone’s 20-run over against Axar Patel.
- Dhawan’s half-century, his third of the season.
- Jitesh’s cameo ensuring PBKS crossed 175.
Second Innings: DC’s Chase Derailed by Arshdeep’s Brilliance
Powerplay: Prithvi Shaw’s Blitz
DC started aggressively, with Shaw racing to 30 off just 18 balls. However, Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the powerplay to remove both openers, keeping PBKS in the game.
Middle Overs: Pant’s Fightback
Rishabh Pant (48 off 36) and David Warner (35 off 30) rebuilt the innings with a 65-run stand. Just as DC seemed to be taking control, Arshdeep Singh returned to break the partnership, trapping Warner LBW with a pinpoint yorker.
Arshdeep’s Masterclass: The Game-Changing Spell
The left-arm seamer’s second spell was pure carnage:
- Over 15: Removed Pant with a slower-ball bouncer (DC: 120/4).
- Over 17: Dismissed Axar and Lalit Yadav in a double-wicket maiden.
- Over 19: Sealed the deal by bowling Nortje, finishing with 4/28.
Final Over Drama
With 20 needed off the last over, Sam Curran held his nerve, conceding just 7 runs to secure a thrilling PBKS victory.
Post-Match Analysis
Player of the Match: Arshdeep Singh
His spell was a masterclass in death bowling—variations, accuracy, and sheer composure under pressure.
Turning Point:
The 17th over (double-wicket maiden) completely shifted momentum in PBKS’s favor.
Where DC Lost It:
- Middle-order collapse (lost 4 wickets for 22 runs).
- Failure to capitalize on Pant-Warner partnership.
Fan Reactions:
- #ArshdeepTheKing trended on Twitter.
- Memes flooded social media on DC’s “another close loss” reputation.
What’s Next?
- PBKS moves up to 5th place; faces SRH next.
- DC in must-win territory; takes on MI in a do-or-die clash.
