Delhi Capitals (DC) captain David Warner complained about his team's poor batting after they were put out of contention for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season after their 31-run loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Delhi on Saturday, May 13. Needing 168 for the win, the Australian opener gave DC the perfect start as his team reached 69 for no loss at the end of powerplay but they crashed to 88 for 6 in 10.1 overs and were ultimately restricted to 136 for 8.
"The way we started and then losing six for 30, you are not going to win many games," Warner said at the post-match presentation. "Another disappointing effort with the bat after the start we had." DC will play their two remaining matches for pride only.
"I think we found the right combination but we keep losing 4-5 wickets in the middle and that is something you cannot do at this level."
He was also disappointed with the drop chance of Prabhsimran Singh who got a reprieve on 68 from Rilee Rossouw. "A few dropped chances cost us a few runs. You have to play with pride, belief in yourself and play with freedom," he said about DC's approach in the upcoming games.
On a difficult pitch where none of his teammates crossed 20, Prabhsimran showed the way in his 65-ball 103. Praising the youngster was his skipper Shikhar Dhawan. "I rate this knock quite high, playing that sort of a knock with that high strike-rate and the shots he has played against the turn as well -- it was amazing."
Dhawan also hailed the spin duo of Harpreet Brar (4/30) and Rahul Chahar (2/16) and the pace bowling led beautifully by Nathan Ellis (2/26). "Credit goes to the spinners and then the fast bowlers for closing it out," he added.
The win kept PBKS' slender playoff hopes alive. "I like how the boys have taken responsibility. I am very happy with the way they are growing. This win gives us a lot of confidence. We know that we have to win both matches. We have to stay calm and focussed because staying calm and being focussed works for us."
PBKS will play their remaining two matches — against Delhi Capitals (May 17) and Rajasthan Royals (May 19) — at Dharamsala.
