The reaction of the two captains was, therefore, obvious. While DC skipper Warner, who fought for Delhi with his 54, lamented his team’s batting effort, Dhawan lauded Prabhsimran for standing up to score a 65-ball 103.
Chasing Punjab’s 167/7 in Delhi, the hosts could only score 136/8, despite being 81/2 at one stage, to suffer a 31-run defeat.
The loss put DC out of the race to playoffs.
On a slow-turner, Warner gave DC a perfect start as his side reached 69 for no loss at the end of powerplay, but they crashed to 88 for 6 in 10.1 overs and never recovered.
“The way we started and then losing six (wickets) for 30 (runs), you are not going to win many games,” Warner said at the post-match presentation. “Another disappointing effort with the bat after the start we had.”
DC will play their two remaining matches for pride only.
“I think we found the right combination but we keep losing 4-5 wickets in the middle and that is something you cannot do at this level,” said Warner.
01:48
Prabhsimran, Brar shine as Punjab Kings end Delhi Capitals’ IPL hopes
He also rued the drop chance of Prabhsimran Singh who got a reprieve on 68 from Rilee Rossouw.
“A few dropped chances cost us a few runs,” Warner said. “You have to play with pride, belief in yourself and play with freedom.”
On a difficult pitch where none of his team-mates crossed 20, Prabhsimran showed the way for Punjab.
PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan said: “I rate this knock quite high, playing that sort of a knock with that high strike-rate and the shots he (Prabhsimran) has played against the turn as well — it was amazing.”
Dhawan also hailed the spin duo of Harpreet Brar (4/30) and Rahul Chahar (2/16) and the pace bowling led beautifully by Nathan Ellis (2/26).
“Credit goes to the spinners and then the fast bowlers for closing it out.”
The win kept PBKS’ slender playoff hopes alive.
“I like how the boys have taken responsibility. I am very happy with the way they are growing. This win gives us a lot of confidence.
“We know that we have to win both matches. We have to stay calm and focussed because staying calm and being focussed works for us.”
(With agency inputs)
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