Jaipur, May 24 (UNI) Delhi Capitals' decision to bowl first seemed a bold one, but Punjab Kings responded with a commanding 206 for eight in their 20 overs in an IPL encounter at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.
Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a fluent 53 off 34 balls (5x4, 2x6), anchoring the innings after early jitters. He found support in Marcus Stoinis, who provided a blistering finish with an unbeaten 44 off just 16 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 275.
The innings began shakily for Punjab, with opener Priyansh Arya (6) falling early to Mustafizur Rahman (3/33), who proved to be Delhi’s most effective bowler. Josh Inglis (32 off 12) and Prabhsimran Singh (28 off 18) injected momentum in the Powerplay, with the team reaching 60/1 after six overs.
However, debutant Vipraj Nigam pegged the innings back with a double strike, removing Inglis and Prabhsimran in quick succession. Kuldeep Yadav (2/39) was also among the wickets, claiming the prized scalps of Iyer and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Despite a flurry of wickets in the middle overs, Stoinis launched a late assault, particularly in the 18th and 19th overs, ensuring Punjab crossed the 200-run mark. Harpreet Brar chipped in with an unbeaten 7 off 2 balls.
Delhi's bowling effort was mixed. While Mustafizur and Vipraj impressed, Mukesh Kumar (4-0-49-1) and Mohit Sharma (4-0-47-0) came under pressure in the death overs.
Delhi will now need to chase 207 to get a consolation victory.
UNI BDN SS