‘Another disappointing effort with the bat’ - DC skipper David Warner's blunt assessment following humiliating defeat against PBKS

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper David Warner made a blunt assessment on his franchise’s dismal batting approach, following the loss against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Delhi were handed a defeat by 31 runs following which the side crashed out of the race for playoffs in the IPL 2023 season.

Courtesy of a blistering knock by Prabhsimran Singh (103 off 65 balls), Punjab posted a competitive total of 167 runs. During the chase, Delhi started off on the right foot as the opening duo of Phil Salt and skipper Warner raised a 69-run stand.

In addition to this, Warner carved out a quickfire knock, cracking his fifty in mere 23 balls, featuring one six and 10 fours. However, what followed was Delhi's batting unit falling like a pack of cards as the side lost six wickets for just 19 runs starting with the dismissal of Salt. 

Punjab clawed their way back into the contest as Harpreet Brar claimed a four-wicket haul coupled with Rahul Chahar and Nathan Ellis getting two wickets apiece to clinch the two points. Following the match, a disappointed Warner rued the side’s dismal batting approach which eventually led to their downfall in the contest.

"The way we started and then losing six for 30, you are not going to win many games. Another disappointing effort with the bat after the start we had. 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. A few dropped chances cost us a few runs,” told Warner in the post-match presentation.

Have to play for pride: David Warner

Following the loss, Delhi became the first team in the ongoing season to crash out of the playoffs race. Warner further acknowledged that his side will need to play for pride and with freedom in the forthcoming games.

"You have to play with pride, belief in yourself and play with freedom," he concluded.

The side is placed 10^th in the IPL Points Table with eight points in 12 matches. They will be aiming for wins in their remaining fixtures and hope to not conclude the season with a wooden spoon.