Opening batter Prabhsimran Singh’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century followed by a spin masterclass from Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar helped Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 31 runs to stay in the hunt to reach playoffs. PBKS were behind DC in the game on a few occasions but Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a few exceptional performances from the visitors as DC suffered their eighth loss of the season.
After the game, DC skipper David Warner reflected on the team's loss as the franchise's hopes of making the playoffs came to an agonising end.
"It was about trying to restrict them to a decent total. They got more than we would have liked. Prabhsimran batted really well, dropped chances cost us a few. At the end of the day after the powerplay when you lose 6 for 30 not going to win a lot of games," Cricbuzz quoted Warner as saying at the post-match presentation ceremony after the game.
In the run chase of 168, DC got off to a flyer with skipper Warner leading the charge from the front. One Warner (54 runs off 27 balls) was dismissed, the DC batting line-up offered no resistance and crumbled like a pack of cards. Four DC middle-order batters failed to even reach double-digit scores.
Warner voiced his disappointment after the middle-order batters failed to capitalise on the start. The Australian opening batter also reflected on the constant changes to team's playing XI this season and urged his players to play with pride moving forward.
"You got to play for pride, and play with freedom (on remaining games). Another disappointing effort with the bat after the good start we had. When you lose they are the things that happen in this format (on constant changes to playing XI). We found the right combination but we keep losing 3-4 quick wickets and you can't do that at this level," the DC captain added.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Prabhsimran Singh's maiden IPL century, Harpreet Brar's menacing four-fer knocks DC out of IPL 2023 playoffs race to keep their hopes alive
‘Think about them who are still toiling hard in domestic cricket and not picked by any team’: How Tendulkar’s golden words changed Prabhsimran’s approach
