In what proved to be some of the thrilling encounters of the Indian Premier League 2025 season, the Punjab Kings suffered a vital blow to their playoff ambitions after dropping to the Delhi Capitals in a tightly contested match on Sunday.
Punjab Kings’ top-two hopes dent as Delhi Capitals clinch final-over thriller
Batting first, the Faf du Plessis-led Delhi showcased a commanding efficiency, posting a frightening whole of 206 runs of their allotted 20 overs. Regardless of a valiant batting effort from Punjab, the run chase fell quick within the closing over, because of a composed ending act by the Delhi batters. With their defeat to Delhi, Punjab’s journey to securing a top-two spot within the IPL playoffs now hinges on the result of their closing league match in opposition to the Mumbai Indians. Sitting at 17 factors with one match left, Punjab finds themselves in a must-win scenario, not only for qualification, however for seizing a direct path to the ultimate by way of the Qualifier 1 route. In the meantime, Mumbai, who’ve additionally booked a playoff berth, are equally hungry for a top-two end and can method the conflict in Jaipur with aggressive intent. The web run price (+0.327 for PBKS) would possibly come into play relying on different match outcomes, making each over and each run of paramount significance.
Controversial third umpire name sparks outrage as Preity Zinta reacts
The match, nonetheless, wasn’t with out controversy. Throughout the fifteenth over of Punjab’s innings, a pivotal second unfolded that left not simply the crew, but in addition followers and crew officers visibly upset. Shashank Singh, who has been one of many standout batters for Punjab this season, struck a robust straight drive off Mohit Sharma. Positioned close to the long-off boundary was Karun Nair, who stretched each sinew of his physique to tug off what seemed to be a spectacular fielding effort.
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Nair, after making the save, instantly gestured that the ball had actually crossed the boundary rope and signaled it was a six. The on-field umpires, unsure concerning the name, referred the matter to the third umpire. Upon overview, the third umpire adjudged that there was no conclusive video proof displaying Nair’s foot making contact with the boundary cushions. Consequently, solely a single was awarded as a substitute of six runs, a lot to the disbelief of the batting aspect and their supporters.
This resolution took on a lifetime of its personal when a fan on social media platform X (previously Twitter) posted a query to Grok, an AI chatbot, summarizing the incident and expressing confusion over how a transparent on-field gesture by the fielder may very well be overruled by expertise.
@grok it was a DC vs PBKS match. Karun nair tried to avoid wasting a six on the boundary line however after saving he confirmed that it was a six. Then third umpire checked it and it wasn’t a six.
— Konda Reddy (@gayatri_an68571) May 24, 2025
To the astonishment of many, Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta, who was not even tagged within the submit, unexpectedly responded, clearly furious with the third umpire’s verdict. Zinta said, “In a such a excessive profile match with a lot expertise on the Third Umpire’s disposal such errors are unacceptable & merely shouldn’t occur. I spoke To Karun after the sport & he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6 ! I relaxation my case !” Preity wrote.
In a such a excessive profile match with a lot expertise on the Third Umpire’s disposal such errors are unacceptable & merely shouldn’t occur. I spoke To Karun after the sport & he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6 ! I relaxation my case ! #PBKSvsDC #IPL2025 https://t.co/o35yCueuNP
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 24, 2025
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Here’s how Punjab Kings can finish in top two even after defeat against Delhi Capitals
