IPL 2024 Match 2, PBKS VS DC: Live Ball by Ball Commentary

We are back with the chase! The two umpires make their way to the middle followed by the Delhi fielders who are taking the field. It will be the skipper, Shikhar Dhawan alongside Jonny Bairstow to open the innings for Punjab. Khaleel Ahmed has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for Delhi. Away we go..

… THE RUN CHASE …

Punjab's bowling unit faced initial struggles as they grappled to find their rhythm, leaking runs in the early overs. However, it was Arshdeep Singh who provided the breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the fourth over. A counterattacking second-wicket partnership was swiftly dismantled by Harshal Patel, who sent David Warner back to the pavilion. Subsequently, Punjab's bowlers tightened their lines and executed their plans meticulously. Harshal Patel emerged as the standout performer in the middle overs, utilizing bouncers and slower deliveries effectively to spearhead Punjab's resurgence in the game until that last over where he was taken aback by the heroics of Abishek Porel who racked 25 runs to take Delhi to a formidable total of 174 runs. With the momentum swinging back in Delhi's favour, the chase is undoubtedly going to be a challenging one for Punjab. Will they be successful in chasing it down at their new home ground? Let's find out shortly as the second innings comes to you in a bit.

Abishek Porel, the man of the moment is down for a chat and says that he got to know just when 3 overs were left that he had to go out to bat but was ready for it. Adds that the practice he put in the nets, he just wanted to carry the same into the game as well. Mentions that he wanted to see the ball and hit the ball and not just swing blindly. Reckons that the score they put on is a good one and they have the bowling to defend it.

After being put into bat first, Delhi got off to a scintillating start, courtesy of the Australian duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Both openers launched a relentless assault on the Punjab bowlers, defying the expected slower nature of the pitch. Despite Marsh's departure within the Powerplay after some aggressive strokes, Shai Hope seamlessly continued the onslaught alongside Warner. Their brisk 35-run partnership was brought to an end with Warner's dismissal. Shortly thereafter, Hope also fell, leaving Delhi in a precarious position. Rishabh Pant got off to a start but couldn't capitalize on it. Delhi lost wickets in quick succession which put them on the backfoot. A strong recovery seemed elusive until their Impact Player, Abishek Porel, arrived late in the innings and unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to propel the side to a total of 174 runs. The coaches took a risk of not bringing on an extra bowler and it seems to have paid off but it does mean, Delhi will be a bowler short.

Wow, what a thrilling conclusion to Delhi's innings as they finish at 174 runs! Abishek Porel's explosive cameo of 32 runs off just 10 balls has once again turned the tide in Delhi's favour. His blistering innings has not only propelled Delhi to a formidable total but also injected momentum going into the break.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, OUT! RUN OUT! Delhi end the innings by losing their ninth wicket but it doesn't matter as Abishek Porel has turned the game on its head in the final over. Harshal Patel bowls it full and straight, Porel punches the ball down to long on and the batters push for two as it is the final delivery. The fielder in the deep, Shashank Singh picks up the ball quickly and fires in a throw at the bowler's end. Harshal whips off the bails and Kuldeep Yadav isn't even in the frame. Delhi finish with 174/9 on the board!

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, SIX! BANG! Abishek Porel, you beauty! Slightly short and over the stumps, Porel with a neutral stance and that allows him to go either side of the wicket and this time he just pulls it away deep into the stands over the mid-wicket fence to make it 24 runs in the over with one ball remaining.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Yes, it sure seems like it and Abishek Porel is playing some unbelievable shots here. Back to over the stumps and banged in a bit over off stump, angling across. Porel stays put and just dabs the ball over short third and picks up yet another boundary.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, FOUR! The Impact Player is making a huge impact! Comes from around the stumps and angles in another short ball, pace on and into the body, Abishek Porel swivels around and pulls it away well behind square leg for a boundary. 14 already off the over, still 3 deliveries remain. Can Porel push Delhi's total upwards of 170?

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, SIX! Wow, what a cracking sound the ball made off the bat! Pitched up right in the slot and Abishek Porel picks the slower one too. Porel shuffles across a touch and whacks the ball a mile high and into the stands over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, FOUR! Gets enough bat on it and Abishek Porel picks up a handy boundary for Delhi. Slower bumper over the stumps and angling into the helmet, Porel manages to get on top of it and pull it just over backward square leg for four runs.

Prabhsimran Singh comes in as an impact player for Punjab replacing Arshdeep Singh.

Arshdeep Singh to Kuldeep Yadav, Good short ball, quick and outside off, zipping through, Kuldeep Yadav looks to guide it away to third man but misses out.

Arshdeep Singh to Abishek Porel, Short and outside off, slapped away to deep cover for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Kuldeep Yadav, A direct git and Kuldeep Yadav would have had to walk back! On a length over off, Kuldeep Yadav opens the bat face and tucks it in front of backward point and sets off for the run, Jonny Bairstow collects the ball and throws at the nonstriker's end with Kuldeep Yadav not even in the frame. The ball doesn't hit the stumps and Delhi get a single added to their tally of runs.

Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat next for Delhi.

Arshdeep Singh to Sumit Kumar, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Arshdeep Singh gets his second and Delhi lose their 8th. Singh steams from around the wicket and bowls it fuller outside off, Sumit Kumar takes a step out and looks to swing hard but only manages to get an outside edge straight into the safe custody of Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps.

Arshdeep Singh to Sumit Kumar, Bangs it short and over middle at 134.4 kph, Sumit Kumar looks to cut it square on off but misses.

Arshdeep Singh to Sumit Kumar, WIDE! A quick bumper now outside off stump, Sumit Kumar sways away from the line of the ball and it swerves away as well. This is called a wide but Punjab have challenged it. The third umpire checks the replays and deems it over head height. The wide call stands.

Arshdeep Singh to Sumit Kumar, Top delivery! Comes from around the wicket and bowls a slower short ball outside off, this one angles in and Sumit Kumar is well beaten on the cut.

Arshdeep Singh (3-0-25-1) is brought back into the attack to bowl his final over.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, FOUR! A bit streaky but Abishek Porel will take it with both hands. Full and wide, a bit too wide though as Porel is able to free his hands and cuts it off the outside edge fine of third man for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Sumit Kumar, Another slower one, banged into the deck and outside off, Sumit Kumar stays put and just angles the bat to play the ball through mid-wicket for another single. Sumit wanted the second run but Abishek Porel sent him back.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, Well short and slow too outside off, Abishek Porel works hard to get on top of the bounce and just about manages to pull it down in front of mid-wicket for one.

Harshal Patel to Sumit Kumar, Leg bye! switches to over the wicket for the right-hander and angles it in on a hard length into the pads. Sumit Kumar fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the pads past square leg. They get a leg bye.

Harshal Patel to Abishek Porel, Nice and full outside off stump, Abishek Porel leans on and pushes it to covers for one.

Abishek Porel walks out to bat next for Delhi as an Impact Player replacing Ricky Bhui.

Harshal Patel to Axar Patel, OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear! That is a huge wicket as Axar Patel has been run out here. Harshal Patel comes from around the stumps and bowls it short and into the body, taking pace off as well. Axar hops and tucks it away through square leg for one and they look for two but there is slight hesitation from the batters. The substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajann attacks the ball well and fires in a flat throw at the keeper's end. Jitesh Sharma whips off the bails and the replays show that Axar is just short of his crease.

Harshal Patel (2-0-14-2) comes back to bowl.

Kagiso Rabada to Axar Patel, Banged halfway into the deck and around off stump but takes pace off, Axar Patel hops and is able to dab it down to the right of short third for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Sumit Kumar, Short ball angled into the body, Sumit Kumar half-pulls it through backward square leg and turns the strike over.

Kagiso Rabada to Sumit Kumar, Back of a length and outside off, Sumit Kumar lets the ball come on and taps it to point.

Kagiso Rabada to Axar Patel, Back of a length over middle and leg, Axar Patel hops and tucks it off the hips through mid-wicket for one. He looks for two but Sumit Kumar sends him back.

Kagiso Rabada to Axar Patel, SIX! Just over! A bit of luck going Delhi's way and they sure needed it as well. Banged in quick and short outside off, Axar Patel sees the width and gives it a whip. The ball takes the top edge and flies over Arshdeep Singh at third man for a maximum.

Kagiso Rabada to Axar Patel, Starts from around the stumps and bowls it on a good length around off, trying to angle it into the top of off stump. Axar Patel stays back and nudges it down with soft hands to short third.

Rahul Chahar to Sumit Kumar, Should have been an easy single but hesitation in the middle means it will be a dot ball. Full again and around off, Sumit Kumar plays it wide of cover-point but the fielder scampers across and makes the stop. Just 4 runs and a wicket off Chahar's last over.

Rahul Chahar to Sumit Kumar, This is pushed through fuller and into the batter, Sumit Kumar tentatively plays it to the right of the bowler.

Strategic break! Delhi look to be in dire straits as they are losing wickets at regular intervals and Punjab have bowled pretty well. The top order of Delhi scored runs but none of them went on to score a fifty or so and there is a lot of work to be done by the lower order. Punjab on the other hand have comeback really strongly after facing an early onslaught and will look to bundle out the opposition. Also, Sumit Kumar comes in to make his debut.

Rahul Chahar to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Rahul Chahar picks up his first wicket. Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, Tristan Stubbs makes a bit of room and looks to go inside-out over covers but ends up just chipping it towards wide long off. Shashank Singh at long off covers good ground and dives across to his left to take a fine catch with both hands. Stubbs will feel he should have had a bit more flourish in that shot and Delhi continue to be under the pump.

Rahul Chahar to Tristan Stubbs, Keeps bowling it short and around off, Tristan Stubbs rocks back nicely and punches it away wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Rahul Chahar to Axar Patel, Short again and sliding across off stump, Axar Patel stands tall and cuts it behind point for one more.

Rahul Chahar to Tristan Stubbs, Shorter in length, pushed into leg stump, Tristan Stubbs stays on the back foot and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Rahul Chahar (3-0-29-0) to bowl out now.

Arshdeep Singh to Axar Patel, Goes fuller and attacks the stumps, Axar Patel takes his front leg out and drives it to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to Axar Patel, FOUR! Top, top shot! Served on a length, just outside off, Axar Patel waits for it and slashes it through point for a welcome boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Axar Patel, Digs this short and over off, Axar Patel slashes it over point for a couple of runs. The fielder from wide third man chases the ball and cuts it off well to keep it down to just two.

Arshdeep Singh to Axar Patel, Pitches this fuller and on the off stump line, Axar Patel drives it beautifully but straight to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Bowls it on a good length, over top of off, Tristan Stubbs tucks it to long on for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Steams from around the wicket and bowls it fuller and attacks the stumps, Tristan Stubbs blocks it back to the bowler.

Arshdeep Singh (2-0-18-1) is brought back into the attack.

Harpreet Brar to Axar Patel, A half-hearted appeal for LBW! A fuller delivery on middle and leg, Axar Patel looks to tuck it square on leg but misses. The ball thuds his high on the front pad.

Harpreet Brar to Tristan Stubbs, Off the mark! Floated delivery into the stumps, Tristan Stubbs makes room and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Harpreet Brar to Axar Patel, Drops the length short, over off, Axar Patel rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Harpreet Brar to Axar Patel, FOUR! Edged and races away! Brar floats it up, outside off, Axar Patel looks to push it straight but gets a thick outside edge past the keeper to third man fence for a boundary.

Axar Patel walks in with Delhi in a spot of some bother.

Harpreet Brar to Ricky Bhui, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A huge appeal from Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps for a caught behind and the umpire calls it a wide. Shikhar Dhawan sends it upstairs for the review. Brar bowls it on a nagging length, but down leg, Ricky Bhui looks to help it on the way but delays his shot a nit and seems to have edged it. The UltraEdge shows that there was a spike as the ball passed the gloves and the umpire is asked to overturn his decision to OUT! Punjab have pulled back things beautifully and Delhi lose half their side.

Harpreet Brar to Ricky Bhui, Fuller in length, on middle and off, Ricky Bhui presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Harshal Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Bangs the deck hard on off, with pace off, Tristan Stubbs looks to pull but withdraws as the ball keeps low. The ball catches the toe end of the bat and trickles away to the keeper.

Harshal Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Bowls this fuller and on off, Tristan Stubbs drives it to mid off.

Tristan Stubbs is the new man in.

Harshal Patel to Rishabh Pant, OUT! CAUGHT! Harshal Patel gets his second and it's a soft dismissal for Rishabh Pant in his comeback match. Harshal Patel takes pace off and digs it short outside off, Rishabh Pant misjudged the pace and looks for the uppercut. He spoons it straight into the bread basket of Jonny Bairstow at backward point and Harshal makes amends for that dropped catch.

Harshal Patel to Rishabh Pant, Bowls fuller and wider on off, Rishabh Pant takes a step out and makes room to loft it over cover for a couple more. Rishabh Pant making his intentions clear!

Harshal Patel to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Crisp shot! Fuller delivery outside off, Rishabh Pant leans on it and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Harshal Patel to Rishabh Pant, Bangs it short and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant flicks it to left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Harshal Patel (1-0-6-1) is back on.

Rahul Chahar to Rishabh Pant, Quicker this time, on a fuller length and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant mistimes his sweep to square leg for just a single.

Rahul Chahar to Ricky Bhui, Flights this fuller around off stump line, Ricky Bhui punches it to long off for a single.

Rahul Chahar to Ricky Bhui, Bowls this up on middle and off, Ricky Bhui cuts it to backward point for no run.

Rahul Chahar to Rishabh Pant, Fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant tucks it to square leg for a single.

Rahul Chahar to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! DROPPED! Harshal Patel makes a mess of it. Shorter in length, over off, Rishabh Pant rocks back and pulls it straight to deep square leg. Harshal Patel gets to his left and misses the ball completely as the ball gets through his hands to the ropes for a boundary. The 100 also comes up for Delhi.

Rahul Chahar to Ricky Bhui, Misses out on that one does Ricky Bhui! Chahar bowls a full toss on off, Ricky Bhui mistimes his pull to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Ricky Bhui, Off the mark! On a good length, outside off, Ricky Bhui cuts it to third man and takes the single.

Kagiso Rabada to Ricky Bhui, Bangs it on a length, outside off, Ricky Bhui cuts it point off the inner half of the bat.

Ricky Bhui walks in at number 5.

Kagiso Rabada to Shai Hope, OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada gets the better of Shai Hope who looked so good. Bowls this fuller and just outside off, Shai Hope frees his arms and looks for the drive but gets it straight to short cover. Harpreet Brar dives to his front and takes a good low catch to see the back of Shai Hope.

Kagiso Rabada to Shai Hope, SIX! Absolutely hammered! Rabada drops the length a bit over off, Shai Hope with a big bat swing whacks it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Kagiso Rabada to Rishabh Pant, A tad shorter in length, over off, Rishabh Pant bends back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Shai Hope, Bowls it on a hard length and on middle and leg, Shai Hope makes a bit of room to tuck it to long on for a single.

Kagiso Rabada (2-0-18-0) is back on.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, Drags the length back and slides it into middle and leg, Shai Hope stays back and works it away well in front of mid-wicket for another single.

Rahul Chahar to Rishabh Pant, Fuller on leg stump, this is reverse-swept just behind point for a run.

Rahul Chahar to Rishabh Pant, Misses it completely! Takes pace off and flights it up on a dragged length around off, Rishabh Pant comes down the pitch, looking for the big heave but only gets hit on the body.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, Drags the length back and bowls it on middle and leg, Shai Hope pulls it down to wide long on for a single.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, FOUR! Slogged away into the gap! This is floated up again on a length, Shai Hope gets down on one knee, reaches forward a bit and slogs it in between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, Pushed through a bit fuller around middle, Shai Hope leans on and drives it away to covers.

Strategic break! Delhi has indeed laid a solid foundation, courtesy of their Australian duo at the top of the order. With the stage set, Rishabh Pant and Shai Hope will be eager to capitalize on this platform and steer their team towards a formidable first-innings total. Punjab's breakthrough with the dismissal of David Warner has injected new energy into their side. With this crucial wicket, they will now be aiming to capitalize on the momentum and take a few more key wickets to claw their way back into the game.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, A fifth single to end the over as Shai Hope pushes the flatter ball on middle down to long on.

Harpreet Brar to Rishabh Pant, Sees Pant advancing and bowls it quick and full outside off, Pant steers it away in front of mid-wicket for another single.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, Flatter ball around the top of off and middle, Shai Hope stays back and punches it away through covers for one more.

Harpreet Brar to Rishabh Pant, On a fuller length and around middle, Rishabh Pant neatly flicks it away through mid-wicket for one and gets off the mark as well.

Harpreet Brar to Rishabh Pant, Bowled full and quick, angled well across the left-hander, Rishabh Pant reaches out and loses his shape a bit before hitting it straight to point.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, Pushed through quick and flat outside off, Shai Hope slaps it away to deep point for a run.

The captain of Delhi, Rishabh Pant walks out to bat next. The crowd welcomes this star with a thunderous applause.

Harshal Patel to David Warner, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Harshal Patel makes an instant impact for his new side and gets rid of the dangerman. Harshal brings out his renowned slower delivery and bowls it well short over middle and leg and gets it at an awkward height right around the helmet. David Warner tries to ride the bounce and play a controlled pull shot but fails to get it under control. Jitesh Sharma dives forward and grabs a catch but the onfield umpire stays put. It is reviewed and we can see a clear spike on the replays and Warner has to walk back.

Is David Warner out? Punjab appeal for a caught behind which is given NOT OUT by the onfield umpire. Shikhar Dhawan sends it upstairs for a review. The ultraedge shows a spike and the umpire has to overturn his decision to OUT!

Harshal Patel to Shai Hope, Full and outside off stump, Shai Hope drills the ball to the left of Shikhar Dhawan at mid off and scampers across for a quick single, good running.

Harshal Patel to David Warner, Slower one, banged into the and angled across off stump, David Warner hops to the off side and dabs it down through cover-point for a single.

Harshal Patel to David Warner, On a fuller length on leg stump and sliding across, David Warner stays leg side of the ball and strokes it straight to short cover.

Harshal Patel to David Warner, Goes full again, around off and gets it in the blockhole this time, David Warner digs it out on the off side.

Harshal Patel to David Warner, FOUR! Sublime timing from David Warner! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full and wide outside the off stump, Warner with a forward-press nails the cover drive and picks up four more runs.

Harshal Patel is introduced into the attack.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, FOUR! Oh, dear! Rahul Chahar won't be happy with that. Short and wide, Shai Hope rocks back and cuts it straight to point where the fielder lets the ball through for a boundary. 14 easy runs off that over.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, SIX! Top shot! Pitched up on leg stump, right in the slot, Shai Hope clears the front leg and hits through the line, depositing the ball over long on for a biggie.

Rahul Chahar to David Warner, Good call in the end from Shai Hope. This is pushed through on middle and leg, David Warner works it away in front of mid-wicket and into the gap and looks for two right away. The fielder though comes in quickly and eventually, they settle for one.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, On the shorter side and turning away from outside off stump, Shai Hope reaches out and taps it away in front of point for another single.

Rahul Chahar to David Warner, Nagging length on middle and looking to turn it back in, David Warner stays back and tucks it away through mid-wicket for one. He looks for two but it isn't there.

Rahul Chahar to Shai Hope, Rahul Chahar starts off with a shortish ball around off stump, Shai Hope stays put and slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, Nice and full around off, Shai Hope makes room and drives it away to deep cover for one more. At the end of the Powerplay, Delhi are 54/1!

Harpreet Brar to David Warner, On the shorter side over middle, pulled off the back foot wide of mid on for a single.

Harpreet Brar to David Warner, Fractionally short and wide, David Warner backs away to cut but is unable to pierce the gap at point.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, On the bounce! Bowled flatter and into the batter, Shai Hope stays leg side of the ball and muscles it away to Liam Livingstone at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, On middle, gripping just a bit, Shai Hope looks to cut it away but miscues it back onto the deck.

Harpreet Brar to Shai Hope, Darts it in at the batter and on a fuller length, Shai Hope backs away and pushes it out to the left of the bowler.

Harpreet Brar has been handed the ball now.

Kagiso Rabada to David Warner, Bowls this on a good length and just outside off, David Warner looks to cut it square on off but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to David Warner, SIX! Innovation at its very best from David Warner! Kagiso Rabada bowls this fuller and outside off, David Warner gets across the line and picks the length perfectly to flick it over fine leg for a biggie!

Kagiso Rabada to David Warner, FOUR! David Warner makes it look very easy! Rabada bowls it fuller and outside off, David Warner extends his arms to reach the ball and slaps it through covers for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to David Warner, Bowls this on a fuller length, just around that fourth stump line, David Warner looks for the big slog but gets an inside edge past the leg stump to the keeper.

Kagiso Rabada to Shai Hope, Digs it short and outside off, Shai Hope hops and slashes it uppishly to wide third man for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Shai Hope, Steams from over the wicket and bowls it nicely on a hard length, on off, Shai Hope opens the bat face and steers it to short third.

Arshdeep Singh to Shai Hope, Goes fuller this time just outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to point and steals a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Shai Hope, Bangs it into the deck on a good length and over middle and off, Shai Hope blocks it back onto the deck.

Arshdeep Singh to Shai Hope, Comes from wider of the crease and darts a yorker into the stumps, Shai Hope digs it well to mid on.

Arshdeep Singh to Shai Hope, Bowls this fuller and outside off, Shai Hope opens the bat face and pushes it to point.

Shai Hope comes in to make his Indian T20 League debut.

Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight into the hands and Mitchell Marsh cannot believe it! Arshdeep Singh goes full again but angles it across a bit wider. Marsh throws the hands at it as he looks to go up and over covers but ends up slicing it towards cover-point. Rahul Chahar there takes a sharp catch just over his head and Arshdeep has put an end to Delhi's early carnage.

Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Wow, that's some shot! A fuller delivery, outside off, Mitchell Marsh plants his front leg out and lofts it over mid off for a maximum.

Kagiso Rabada to David Warner, Angles this across on a shortish length, on off, David Warner tucks it to short cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, LEG BYES! Bangs it on a good length and into the pads, Mitchell Marsh looks to tuck it on on the leg side but misses. The ball clips his pads and rolls to the leg side. The batters cross.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, On a length, just outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it to cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR LEG BYES! Bangs it short and hits the deck hard over middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh looks to pull but misses by a whisker. The ball clips him high on the forearm and trickles away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, A good comeback delviery this! On a hard length, on top of off, Mitchell Marsh taps it to the off side.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Mitchell Marsh, you beauty! Rabada digs this short and over middle, Mitchell Marsh swivels a bit in the crease and pulls it handsomely over backward square leg for a biggie. This is a shot by a batter in prime form.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Starts with an extra. Steams from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, angling it down leg, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone for the keeper to collect to his left.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, Beaten! Bowls this fuller and in that channel around off, David Warner looks to drive it straight but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.

An early change in the bowling as Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, WIDE! Tries for an away swinger and bowls this one on a length, but wayward on off, David Warner looks to reach for it and cut it square but misses.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, Goes a touch fuller in length and on off, David Warner taps it to left off short cover.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, FOUR! Easy pickings this for David Warner! Arshdeep Singh offers width outside off, on a length, David Warner slaps it through covers for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, SIX! BOOM! That's the first one for Delhi! Short of a length, on off, David Warner stays back and nails his pull for a flat maximum over deep square leg.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, Straightens the line here on a fuller length and into the stumps, David Warner dabs it back to the bowler.

Arshdeep Singh to David Warner, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length, outside off, David Warner stays put and extends his arms to cut it straight to point.

More left-arm seam as Arshdeep Singh comes in to bowl from the other end.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, Hurls this on a good length, around off, Mitchell Marsh hops back and stabs it back onto the deck. A great start for Delhi as they rack 10 runs off the first over.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, Pitches this one fuller and outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it neatly but straight to cover.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Bowls this on a good length, but down leg. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone for a wide.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, Goes fuller and just outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a step out and drives it to right of Kagiso Rabada at mid off who does well to stop that one.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Mitchell Marsh is up and running in some style as he gets two in a row.  Fuller delivery, on leg, Mitchell Marsh flicks it with ease past short fine for another boundary.

Sam Curran to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! What a start this for Mitchell Marsh. Curran errs in line and bowls this on a length and into the pads, Mitchell Marsh just trickles it past short fine leg for a boundary.

Sam Curran to David Warner, Delhi and David Warner are underway! Sam Curran starts from over the wicket and hurls this fuller and into the stumps, David Warner tucks it to mid-wicket region and gets to the other end.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle as the players of Punjab can be seen in a huddle before taking the field. It will be the Aussie duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh to open the innings for Delhi. Sam Curran has been handed the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play…

Mitchell Marsh is down for a chat. He says that it is important to get off to good starts and is excited to play at a new venue. Mentions that there are some areas of improvement as they were 0 and 5 at the start of last season and will look to rectify that. Reckons that it is an incredible story of Rishabh Pant's and it is great to see the leader of their group back to enjoying the game and reckons he is a natural leader.

Rishabh Pant the skipper of Delhi says they would have batted first anyway as the wicket looks good despite it being on the slower side. Adds that it is emotional but he doesn't want to think too much but enjoy his first match. States that he is not worried about what happened last season and wants to focus on this season and do well. Mentions that they have prepared well and are excited for this season. Concludes that David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs are the overseas players in their playing XI.

Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of Punjab says that they will field first as it is a new pitch and they haven't played much cricket here, so, would want to have a look first. Adds that they have had a few changes in the process and strategies and it will impact their season. Reckons that they have played one practice match here and are accustomed to it a bit and he appreciates the PCA for the venue. Informs that they have Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada as their four overseas players.

Impact players nominated by Delhi –  Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Vicky Ostwal, Pravin Dubey.

Delhi (Playing XI) – Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant (C)(WK), Ricky Bhui, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma.

Impact players nominated by Punjab – Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Harpreet Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Punjab (Playing XI) – Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh.

TOSS – Punjab win the coin flip and opt to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT – Daren Ganga is pitchside and says that it is the 36th venue to be used in the tournament's history. Adds that it is 75 meters straight and on one side square it is 64 meters. Matthew Hayden joins him and says that generally, cricketers do not like change but the pitch is hard and it is a black soil pitch without much grass on it which means the bowlers won't be entirely happy. Reckons that there is a breeze blowing sideways and mentions that it won't be quite as high-scoring as Mohali.

All eyes will indeed be fixated on the highly-anticipated return of superstar Rishabh Pant, marking his comeback after a harrowing 14-month hiatus following a life-threatening car accident. As he resumes his captaincy duties for Delhi, Pant's fervour to reignite his team's fortunes after a lacklustre previous season in his absence is palpable. Despite the absence of Harry Brook, Delhi's overseas contingent remains robust, with the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope and the burgeoning talent Tristan Stubbs. The addition of Australian powerhouse Jake Fraser-McGurk further bolsters their formidable batting lineup, capable of dismantling any opposition. In the bowling department, the spin wizardry of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, coupled with the pace prowess of Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar solidifies Delhi's status as a formidable force on the field. With both teams vying for their maiden title, the stakes are high as they look to start this season with a win. Who do you think will come out victorious in this exciting game? We shall soon find out as the Toss and team news comes to you in a bit.

Punjab, under the seasoned leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, presents a formidable ensemble, boasting a roster brimming with talent and promise. The resurgence of Jonny Bairstow adds significant firepower to their batting arsenal, augmenting an already potent lineup. With overseas stalwarts like Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza and Rilee Rossouw the team can further fortify their batting prowess, ensuring depth and resilience. Spearheaded by the lethal duo of Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, Punjab's bowling contingent exudes potency and depth, complemented by the all-round skills of Harshal Patel. With the spin wizardry of Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar adding another dimension to their attack, Punjab emerges as a well-rounded force, poised to make a formidable impact this season.

Hello and a warm welcome to an electrifying showdown in Match 2 of this season's Indian T20 League, poised to ignite the atmosphere at the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, nestled in the vibrant city of Mullanpur, Mohali. With a fresh home base at their disposal, Punjab set their sights on a transformative turn of luck as they brace themselves to take on the formidable squad from Delhi. Anticipation is rife as we eagerly await what promises to be a riveting clash of two strong teams this season.

… MATCH DAY …

A blockbuster clash on the opening night has well and truly set things in motion for what's about to unfold over the next nine weeks in the 2024 Indian T20 League. In the first of many double-header days, Punjab face Delhi at the newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, marking a shift from their traditional Mohali home ground. Having not managed to qualify for the playoffs since 2014, Punjab aim for a turnaround in fortunes with the change in venue. Punjab flattered to deceive last year, finishing 8th with 6 wins from 14 games. Shikhar Dhawan has been entrusted with the leadership role once again, and he will look to lead his team into the playoffs this time out. Having missed the previous edition of the Indian T20 League due to a freak leg injury, the return of Jonny Bairstow is a massive boost to their batting. In the batting department, Sikandar Raza and Liam Livingstone are the other two overseas options, and both can chip in with the ball too. Punjab went in for Proteas batter Rilee Rossouw at the auction, which has given them another option to choose from. From the Indian contingent, Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh did the heavy lifting for them in the previous season, and other than these two, the onus will also be on the newly appointed vice-captain, Jitesh Sharma. Although it was a costly buy, Punjab made a smart move at the auction by adding death-overs specialist Harshal Patel to their ranks. He will complement Arshdeep Singh and the overseas pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Nathan Ellis, who have been retained by Punjab. Coming to their spin contingent, they have shown faith in the likes of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, who will have to put in a much better shift than what they did in 2023. As for Delhi, the return of their young and energetic skipper, Rishabh Pant, has been the biggest talking point, not just for the franchise but for the league in general. How he fares in his first season since a life-threatening accident is a different story, but his presence will certainly be a massive boost for Delhi. Pant will be at the helm of affairs, and he will be determined to take the side to greater heights, who finished second-from-bottom in his absence last year. Talking about their team composition this season, one thing that stands out is the presence of quality overseas batters. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh were retained by the franchise, and they added more firepower at the auction in the form of Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs. They will be without the services of Harry Brook, one of their auction buys, who opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. In a bid to add more depth to the batting, Delhi roped in Jake Fraser-McGurk as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi. As far as their pace bowling resources are concerned, Anrich Nortje will lead the attack, but there are doubts over his fitness as he is returning from a long injury layoff. Keeping this in mind, they acquired the services of Aussie quick Jhye Richardson at the auction as a backup for the Proteas pacer. Amongst the Indian talent pool, Prithvi Shaw and Yash Dhull are the big names in their batting department, while the trio of Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav make up a strong spin attack. Having had the valuable experience of playing for India under his belt, Mukesh Kumar is a much-improved bowler now. Ishant Sharma and Khaleel Ahmed are the other experienced Indian pace bowling options Pant will have at his disposal. Delhi have the wood over Punjab, having won four of the last five meetings between these two sides. Will Delhi extend their dominance, or will Punjab triumph in their home ground debut? We shall find out.