While the Punjab Kings (PBKS) were searching for a win in clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) to have a significant chance of making it to the final four stage of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, they succumbed to a 15-run defeat in the first fixture of the season at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala on Wednesday. DC had already been eliminated from the business end of the competition.
While DC were asked to bat first by PBKS the team scored a mammoth 213/2 riding on half-centuries from Riley Rossouw (82 off 37) and Prithvi Shaw (54 off 38), in the run chase, Punjab powered a 48-ball 94 from Liam Livingstone came close but found themselves 15-run short.
The result now means that PBKS are all but knocked out of the competition. They can now reach a maximum of 14 points and can still qualify with that but will have to hope for other results to go in their favour. Mathematically though seven teams still remain in contention for the Playoffs berth with three remaining spots up for grabs. Gujarat Titans (GT) have already booked a place in the final four and also ensured a top-two finish but mathematically Chennai Super King, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all can still reach the Playoffs.
IPL Playoffs begin with the Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While Qualifier 1 and Eliminator are scheduled in Chennai, Qualifier 2 and Final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
IPL 2023 Points Table After Match 64