In a crucial game that Delhi Capitals (DC) need to win, they got off to a strong start against Punjab Kings (PBKS) by taking three quick wickets during the powerplay.

Ishant Sharma, the veteran Indian pacer for Delhi, played a key role in their early success by dismissing the important batsmen Shikhar Dhawan (7) and Liam Livingstone (4). Dhawan was caught near midwicket while Livingstone’s stumps were shattered, prompting an interesting send-off from Ishant.

During his second over of the match, Ishant bowled a length ball, and Livingstone charged down the track attempting a wide swing across the line. However, he completely missed the ball, resulting in his off-stump being uprooted. As an upset Livingstone walked back, Ishant blew a flying kiss in his direction, adding a touch of theatrics to the dismissal.

Here’s the video:

TIMBER!

Ishant Sharma at his very best 🔥🔥@ImIshant continues to shine on his special occasion 💪🏻#TATAIPL | #DCvPBKS pic.twitter.com/CaKCkuvsJU

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 13, 2023

The Delhi-based team have been facing a tough season in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), having lost seven out of their 11 matches so far. Therefore, they find themselves in a must-win situation against PBKS who also need a victory to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

Starting XI and Impact substitutes of both teams:

Delhi Capitals: David Warner (c), Philip Salt (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Aman Hakim Khan, Axar Patel, Praveen Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar

Subs: Manish Pandey, Ripal Patel, Lalit Yadav, Chetan Sakariya, Abishek Porel

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Subs: Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Mohit Rathee.