IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings, Match 59 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The 59th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, May 13. Punjab Kings went all guns blazing as they registered a convincing 31-run victory.

Prabhsimran Singh’s fantastic ton helped Punjab post 167 runs on the board in the first innings. Despite David Warner’s excellent start to the run chase, the hosts failed to carry their momentum forward as they succumbed to defeat.

Here are the Talking Points from the DC vs PBKS clash

David Warner’s quickfire start

Coming into the chase, Delhi Capitals looked to get off to a good start, and David Warner provided his side with just that. The ace Australian batter scored 54 runs in 27 deliveries and looked to propel his side to a win. However, his knock proved to be in vain, as Punjab Kings won the game by 31 runs. 

Harpreet Brar’s class

The 27-year-old Harpreet Brar was sensational for Punjab Kings in the second innings. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler took four wickets and conceded just 30 runs in the four overs he bowled. He dismissed the likes of David Warner, Phil Salt, Rilee Rossouw, and Manish Pandey and made sure that Delhi did not chase the target down.

Prabhsimran Singh’s blitzkrieg

Indian batter Prabhsimran Singh was influential for Punjab Kings in the first innings. The 22-year-old scored 103 runs in just 65 deliveries, and his knock was crucial for Punjab in posting a respectable total on the board for Delhi to chase.

Losing skipper David Warner said:

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. You got to play for pride, and play with freedom [on the 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 chopping and changing of their team]. We found the right combination but we keep losing 3-4 quick wickets and you can't do that at this level.

Winning skipper Shikhar Dhawan said:

The way the bowlers brought us back in the game it was amazing. All credit to our spinners and also our fast bowlers as well. It was turning from 4th over and playing that kind of knock is just incredible and amazing from Prabhsimran. That knock actually helped us reach that total. I told Harpreet to keep it slow and target the wickets and the way he stood up and took those wickets and especially getting those left-handers out was really fantastic. When I'm with the youngsters I try to stay young and feels good that the boys have taken responsibility and the maturity as well. Very happy the way they are growing and maturing. This win has brought a lot of confidence for us. We need to stay calm and not get too excited. Staying calm has helped us and need to do the job in the next couple of games.

Player of the Match Prabhsimran Singh said:

We lost a few wickets at the top, so the plan was to take the game a little deep. I have been with the team for a long time and when you get back-to-back opportunities you gotta grab it. The wicket was slightly tough at the start and the plan was to build some partnership and then target a few bowlers. I also speak to senior players who keep telling me to make sure that I take the game deep and make it big when I get a start. Really thankful to the management for the opportunities.