Kings vs Capitals IPL match of 2024 took an unexpected turn when Punjab Kings won the match by four wickets. Livingstone finished the match off with a six. Captain Shikhar Dhawan won the toss and chose to bowl first against Delhi Capitals. The Kings vs Capitals match was held in Mullanpur, Chandigarh at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Delhi Capitals made a major move by eliminating Prithvi Shaw from the XI, while Punjab Kings chose Jonny Bairstow over Sikandar Raza and Chris Woakes.
After an exciting southern game to kick off the IPL 2024 last night, the focus shifted north, with northern rivals, Kings vs Capitals the two teams were trying to get rid of the label of poor performers this year. DC and PBKS were among the initial eight teams who launched the Indian Premier League in 2008; however the teams had nothing to show than the three combined finals with an added today’s victory.
Kings vs Capitals match was in Punjab Kings favor
Their trophy cupboard, like that of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was empty after 16 seasons, and their fans were losing patience. However, starting of a new season carried with it a lot of hopes, promises, and beliefs that the drought will be over this year, and the Punjab Kings made it possible today by winning the today’s match of Kings vs Capitals.
This was PBKS’ home game, although at a different location. The PCA Stadium is no longer in use, since the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur has replaced it. The IPL has a new home, as PBKS goes from Mohali to Chandigarh. With a capacity of almost 40000 people, this ground was larger and, proved itself as a good luck charm for PBKS’s fortunes which the Kings proved by winning the match.
Shikhar Dhawan, the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, led the team once again. Dhawan’s T20 days with India behind him, but the IPL arrived and he made sure to get the selectors’ attention. Jitesh Sharma, the recently appointed captain, was another big draw for them. As was Harshal Patel, the most expensive Indian purchase at the 2024 auction.
Of course, the presence of Jonny Bairstow at the top was comforting for the team. Additionally so was the English combination of Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, and Punjab’s bowling appeared to be more dangerous than RCB’s. However, relying on it on the field was what decided the tournament success.
Final chance of redemption for Prithvi Shaw
When it comes to their opponents, the Delhi Capitals, Rishabh Pant was the person everyone was looking out for Pant’s match practice. How fit is he? How will the body hold up? Will he keep the wicket? Is he still the deadly weapon of batting that he was? Pant appeared to be in excellent shape, and while hitting the ground running with broad rehab and practice in preparation for his comeback, but unfortunately couldn’t prove it today.
Apart from Pant, there were a few names that excite mystery, starting with Prithvi Shaw. Having struggled with form and fitness, this could have been his final chance for redemption. DC coach Ricky Ponting had revealed his vulnerability to going into deliveries, but now was the times for the Australian legend to find a lasting answer if DC was to overcome their opening issues.
DC relied on their most experienced player to get up to the pressure and provide a kind of start that sets the tone for the season nevertheless Kings vs Capitals match didn’t turned in their favor.
