Punjab Kings are all set to face Delhi Capitals (PBKS vs DC) in the first match of day 2 of IPL 2024 which is a double header. The match takes place on Saturday, March 23 at the new home ground for Punjab Kings, MYS International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.

Rishabh Pant captains the Delhi Capitals, while Shikhar Dhawan leads the Punjab Kings. Here’s a preview of the PBKS vs DC clash in IPL 2024.

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PBKS vs DC: Match Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in the second IPL 2024 match on March 23, marking the season’s first day game. In the league’s 17th edition, CSK clashed with RCB in the opening match. The venue for this encounter is the recently constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

For Delhi Capitals, the match holds significance as it marks Rishabh Pant’s return to action since December 2022, following a period of injury recovery. His appointment as DC’s captain adds an intriguing dimension to his performance. PBKS, led by Shikhar Dhawan, sees the seasoned player returning to the highest level after a hiatus, with his last appearance for India dating back to 2022.

Shikhar Dhawan, Image Credits- PBKS Twitter

Both teams boast a lineup of top-tier players. DC features renowned names like David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Anrich Nortje, and Ishant Sharma. PBKS counters with talents such as Liam Livingstone, Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Nathan Ellis, Harshal Patel, Jonny Bairstow, Sikandar Raza, Arshdeep Singh, and Kagiso Rabada. Anticipation runs high for an intense match between these formidable sides.

Head-to-Head: PBKS vs DC

In the head-to-head encounters between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024, out of 32 matches played, PBKS has won 16, DC has won 15, and there has been 1 tied match.

Team News: PBKS vs DC

Punjab Kings XI: The Punjab Kings will be led by Shikhar Dhawan, with P Simran Singh likely to open alongside him. A Taide, LS Livingstone, and JM Sharma are expected to bolster the batting lineup, with JM Sharma also taking the wicketkeeping duties. The middle order will feature the experience of Sikandar Raza and the all-round capabilities of SM Curran. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by HV Patel, K Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and RD Chahar.

Punjab Kings Bench: The bench strength includes notable players such as JM Bairstow, Harpreet Singh, RR Rossouw, Shivam Singh, AR Sharma, Prince Choudhary, Shashank Singh, R Dhawan, T Thyagarajan, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Harpreet Brar, Chris Woakes, Nathan Ellis, and Vidhwath Kaverappa.

Kuldeep Yadav, Image Credits- DC Twitter

Delhi Capitals XI: David Warner and P Shaw are likely to open the batting for the Delhi Capitals, with MR Marsh providing solidity in the middle order. Rishabh Pant, the captain, will add firepower to the lineup alongside T Stubbs and Lalit Yadav. The bowling department will be led by Axar Patel, KL Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, and A Nortje.

Delhi Capitals Bench: The bench includes RK Bhui, Abishek Porel, Shai Hope, Kumar Kushagra, Yash Dhull, S Chikara, Sumit Kumar, P Dubey, JA Richardson, Rasikh Salam, Vicky Ostwal, KK Ahmed, and J Fraser-McGurk.

Prediction: PBKS vs DC

Anticipated to be a nail-biting encounter, the clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals promises to be a thrilling affair. Punjab Kings could hold a slight advantage over Delhi, primarily due to their more stable batting lineup. The absence of Harry Brook could potentially weaken Delhi’s batting order, while Rishabh Pant’s return to action after a 14-month hiatus adds an element of uncertainty to their team dynamic. Additionally, Punjab’s bowling unit appears formidable, boasting talents like Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Chahar. With such a potent combination, Punjab Kings might just have the edge to outshine Delhi Capitals, especially on their home turf.