KL Rahul and Ricky Ponting (Image credit: BCCI/IPL Photo) NEW DELHI: Not only Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer and the Punjab Kings players knew the importance of an early dismissal of KL Rahul, head coach Ricky Ponting also looked delighted after the crucial breakthrough during the IPL 2026 clash in Dharamsala.After Punjab Kings posted a mammoth 210/5 in 20 overs, Arshdeep Singh struck early as he removed KL Rahul cheaply for just nine runs. The celebrations by the pacer and his teammates reflected how significant the goal was in the context of the match.
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Why Suryakumar Yadav Will Lose India T20I Captaincy: Everything You Need To KnowAs the camera panned towards the Punjab bowler, Ponting’s reaction was caught on camera as the former Australia captain burst out laughing as he celebrated Rahul’s dismissal.Arshdeep pounced on the middle and lower legs and Rahul tried to bowl it away. However, the batsman managed only the leading edge and sent the ball high into the air. Marco Jansen moved nimbly, slipped under him and completed a great catch.Earlier, Priyansh Arya smashed six towering sixes during his whirlwind 33-ball 56 before the Delhi Capitals pacers adjusted their length to restrict Punjab Kings to 210/5.Battling to stay alive in the tournament, Delhi Capitals opted to field first after making five changes to their playing XI for the first match of the season at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.The high altitude in Dharamsala once again aided the stroke production and the effect was immediately visible against Mitchell Starc who endured a costly outing. Priyansh hit the left-arm veteran in a shootout that conceded 22 runs, including six square wickets either side.The left-hander not only blasted Starc for a six on the very first ball of the innings but also attacked Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar with fearless intent.However, Delhi Capitals defended smartly. Aaquib Nabi used hard lengths effectively and troubled Priyansh during the second half of the powerplay.Prabhsimran Singh managed just 18 off 15 balls before being caught at fine leg by Mukesh Kumar.Youngster Madhav Tiwari then claimed his first IPL wicket by dismissing Priyansh at deep point in the ninth over.Punjab Kings raced initially but only reached 107/2 at the halfway stage. Captain Shreyas Iyer later anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, while Cooper Connolly contributed 38 off 27 during their 83-run third-wicket partnership.In the 19th over, Starc dismissed Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh off successive deliveries before Suryansh Shedge hammered two stunning sixes off the Australian quick.Ngidi then produced a superb final over to stop Punjab Kings from going past 210.
