In a breathtaking encounter between the Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kingscricket fans were treated to a spectacle of power-hitting and nerve-wracking moments. Rilee Rossouw emerged as the shining star, leaving the Kings in despair with an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 37 deliveries. His astonishing boundary-hitting display, combined with some noteworthy performances from the top four Capitals’ batsmen, led to a 15-run victory and shattered the Kings’ dreams of making it to the playoffs.
From the outset, the Kings found themselves struggling to keep up with the required run rate. Apart from the tenacious Atharva Taide, who retired out after a labored 55 runs off 42 balls, the Kings’ batting lineup failed to make a significant impact. With only one match remaining and three teams already soaring above 14 points, the Kings’ chances of progressing in the tournament were hanging by a thread.
However, amidst the Kings’ uphill battle, Liam Livingstone emerged as their knight in shining armor. Displaying unwavering determination, Livingstone unleashed an onslaught of boundaries, smashing an impressive 94 runs off a mere 48 deliveries. His relentless p ursuit of runs kept the Kings’ hopes alive, whether they needed an improbable 79 runs off 24 balls or a daunting 38 runs off just 12 balls.
As the match reached its thrilling climax, the tension soared. In the final over, with 23 runs required off just three balls, the Kings were granted a lifeline when Ishant Sharma delivered a no-ball. The jubilant Kings’ supporters erupted in excitement as Livingstone pumped the free hit for a colossal six, narrowing the gap to 16 runs needed from three deliveries.
Alas, the cricket gods had other plans. With hearts pounding and the crowd on the edge of their seats, Livingstone failed to connect with the subsequent full toss, sending the ball soaring into the hands of the fielder at long-off on the last delivery The Kings’ valiant effort fell agonizingly short, as they succumbed to a 15-run defeat.
The playoffs hopes for Delhi were already lost but by defeating the Punjab Kings today, they’ve crushed their hopes of getting into the playoffs as well. They have joined Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals to be the first few teams to have been eliminated from the IPL 2023.
Here’s the updated points table after PBKS vs DC Match 64:
| Rank | Teams | Matches | Won | Lost | No Results | points | NRR |
| 1. | Gujarat Titans | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 18 | +0.835 |
| 2. | Chennai Super Kings | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 15 | +0.381 |
| 3. | Lucknow Super Giants | 13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 15 | +0.304 |
| 4. | Mumbai Indians | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -0.128 |
| 5. | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | +0.166 |
| 6. | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | +0.140 |
| 7. | Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.256 |
| 8. | Punjab Kings | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 12 | -0.308 |
| 9. | Delhi Capitals | 13 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 10 | -0.572 |
| 10. | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 | -0.575 |
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