IPL 2023: Both Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants win their respective matches

The first double-header of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 concluded on Saturday, with both Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants celebrating victories against Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, respectively, to kick off their campaigns.

In the day’s opening match, Punjab Kings faced Kolkata Knight Riders, posting a formidable 191/5 in 20 overs. Bhanuka Rajapaksa led the scoring with a 50 off 32 balls, while Shikhar Dhawan, the team’s captain, contributed 40 off 29 balls. Timely knocks from other batsmen further boosted PBKS’s position. Tim Southee stood out as KKR’s top bowler with 2/54. KKR’s chase faltered as they lost wickets regularly, ultimately losing by 7 runs due to the DLS method when rain interrupted play at 146/7 in 16 overs. Arshdeep Singh’s performance earned him ‘Man of the Match’ honors.

• Punjab Kings 191/5 (20 ov)
• Kolkata Knight Riders 146/7 (16 ov)
• PBKS won by 7 runs (DLS method)

Match Scorecard: Punjab Kings vs Kolkta Knight Riders Scorecard / Live Match Score

In the second match, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced Delhi Capitals (DC). After being put in to bat, LSG posted 193/6 in 20 overs, with Kyle Mayers and Nicholas Pooran leading the charge. DC’s Khaleel Ahmed and Chetan Sakariya each claimed two wickets. DC’s response started strong, but Mark Wood dismantled their batting lineup, restricting them to 143/9 in 20 overs and securing a 50-run victory for LSG. Wood’s 5/14 spell earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ title.

• Lucknow Super Giants 193/6 (20 ov)
• Delhi Capitals 143/9 (20 ov)
• LSG won by 50 runs

Match Scorecard: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals Scorecard / Live Match Score

Both winning team captains, Shikhar Dhawan for PBKS and KL Rahul for LSG, expressed their satisfaction with the victories and the performances of key players. Meanwhile, the losing captains, Nitish Rana for KKR and David Warner for DC, acknowledged the challenges they faced and the need to regroup and reassess conditions for upcoming matches.