DHARAMSALA, MAY 11 (PTI): Delhi Capitals (DC) kept their playoff hopes alive with a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League clash on Monday. Half-centuries from skipper Axar Patel and David Miller proved decisive as DC successfully chased down a stiff target of 211 with one over to spare.
Opting to bat first, PBKS were off to a flying start courtesy of Priyansh Arya (56 off 33 balls) and Prabhsimran Singh (18), who stitched together a brisk 78-run partnership in just 41 deliveries. Their departure slowed the momentum briefly, but Shreyas Iyer (59 not out off 36 balls) anchored the innings with composure. Cooper Connolly (38 off 27) added valuable runs, ensuring PBKS finished strongly at 210 for five in their allotted 20 overs.
For DC, Madhav Tiwari (2/40) and Mitchell Starc (2/57) were the pick of the bowlers, though the Kings’ batting depth kept them under pressure throughout.
Chasing 211, DC faltered early, slipping to 74 for four as PBKS bowlers Arshdeep Singh (2/21) and Marcus Stoinis (1/44) struck timely blows. However, Axar Patel (56) and David Miller (51) steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, blending aggression with calculated risk. Their stand revived DC’s chase and shifted momentum back in their favor.
In the closing stages, Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari held their nerve, guiding DC to 219 for seven in 19 overs.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings: 210 for 5 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 59 not out, Priyansh Arya 56; Madhav Tiawai 2/40).
Delhi Capitals: 219 for 7 in 19 overs (Axar Patel 56, David Miller 51; Arshdeep Singh 2/21).
