NEW DELHI: In a significant setback for the Delhi Capitals (DC) during their opening fixture of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), veteran fast bowler
Ishant Sharma
sustained an ankle injury on Saturday while fielding in the match against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the final over of the powerplay as Punjab Kings were chasing a target of 175 runs.
Prabhsimran Singh flicked a slower delivery from Mitchell Marsh towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Ishant, positioned in the field, collected the ball smoothly but twisted his right ankle while attempting to throw it back to the wicketkeeper.
The impact of the injury was immediate, as Ishant fell to the ground in agony, clutching his ankle. The physio rushed to his aid, eventually assisting him off the field.
Ishant's injury proved to be a major blow for the Delhi Capitals, not only impacting their options during the match, with captain
Rishabh Pant
left with fewer bowling resources, but also potentially affecting the team's prospects for the remainder of the season.
Before the unfortunate incident, Ishant had already made a significant impact on the match. He had bowled two overs, conceding 16 runs and dismissing the Punjab Kings' Shikhar Dhawan.
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With the absence of South African speedster
Lungi Ngidi
and English middle-order batter
Harry Brook
, the Delhi Capitals are facing a depleted squad. The injury to Ishant Sharma further compounds their concerns, as they will be anxiously waiting for updates on his fitness. The franchise remains hopeful that the injury is not severe and that Ishant will recover swiftly.
Coming to the match, English all-rounder
Sam Curran
played a pivotal role in the Punjab Kings' victory over the Delhi Capitals. Curran's aggressive half-century, crafted from just 47 balls, propelled Punjab Kings to chase down the target of 175 runs with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare.
Curran found valuable support from his compatriot,
Liam Livingstone
, who remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 21 balls, as the duo orchestrated a successful chase for Punjab Kings.
Earlier in the match, Delhi, led by the returning Pant, posted a total of 174 for nine after their innings. However, Pant failed to make a significant impact with the bat, and Punjab Kings capitalised on the opportunity to restrict the Delhi Capitals' scoring.
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