Rishabh Pant did not have a happy return to cricket as his Delhi Capitals lost their first match of IPL 2024 to Punjab Kings by four wickets.

England all-rounder Sam Curran’s counterattacking half-century powered Punjab’s win after they were set a 175-run target. Curran blazed away to a 47-ball 63 and got excellent support from compatriot Liam Livingstone (38 not out off 21 balls), as Punjab completed the chase with four balls to spare.

The Capitals were a bowler short for most part of their bowling innings as veteran pacer Ishant Sharma left the field after injuring his ankle while fielding. Ishant could bowl two overs and had also taken the wicket of rival captain Shikhar Dhawan.

Pant, who could make only 18 before being dismissed, rued Ishant’s injury after the loss. “We were short on extra bowling. I think we had a
par score but we were one bowler short... can’t do much about it. Having one bowler short is never good,” the Capitals captain said. Pant also said that he was “pretty nervous” when he walked out to bat, but was happy to be back playing cricket.

The Capitals’ innings was boosted by Abhishek Porel, who, batting at No.9, top-scored for his team making an unbeaten 32 off only 10 balls.

Punjab Kings began their chase in earnest with captain Dhawan (22 off 16 balls) looking good. Impact Player Prabhsimran Singh also played a brisk knock of 26 off 17 balls. Later, Curran and Livingstone took the match away from the Capitals.

Among the Capitals bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav was the best, taking 2/20 in four overs.