Punjab Kings, without regular captain KL Rahul who has been hospitalised with an acute appendicitis issue, did not have the stomach to put up a strong enough resistance against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Delhi, chasing Punjab’s 166/6, won by seven wickets with 14 balls to spare and currently sit at the top of the points table with six wins from eight matches.

Stand-in Punjab captain Mayank Agarwal played a brilliant innings of 99 not out off 58 balls, but his effort was negated by counter knocks from Shikhar Dhawan (69 not out off 47 balls) and Prithvi Shaw (39 off 22 balls).

Openers Shaw and Dhawan shared a 63-run stand in the Powerplay to simplify the chase.

Punjab’s bowling was lacklustre, with only left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar (1/19) earning some respect from the Delhi batters.