The Ponting-coached Kings looked to have done enough against Delhi Capitals, making 5-210 with a rapid 38 from Cooper Connolly including a six off Mitchell Starc.
But troubled by heavy dew in Dharamsala and dogged again by poor fielding Kings allowed Capitals to pull off a record run chase at the Himalayan ground, winning with three wickets and an over to spare.
The result kept Delhi's chances of qualifying alive, for now, while fourth-placed Kings must arrest their slide or be overtaken. Â
It was a bittersweet night for Starc who was on a hat-trick having dismissed Marcus Stoinis for one, but saw the next four balls disappear for 16 as he went for 57 in his four overs.
On a tough night for Aussie bowlers Capitals debutant Ben Dwarhuis took 1-51 in his four overs while Stoinis went for 44 off three. On a seamers' pitch Connolly did not get a bowl - not did any other spinner - but did effect a brilliant run out of the dangerous Tristan Stubbs
Axar Patel top-scored for Delhi with 56, having been dropped earlier. David Miller piled on with a 28-ball 51 and the tail finished it off.
"The cricket we are playing and the players we have, the future is strong," Delhi captain Axar said. "I got a chance today. Luck changed a little," he added.
Half-centuries from skipper Shreyas Iyer (59 not out) and Priyansh Arya (56) had given Punjab what looked a challenging total. Iyer even felt they had 30 more runs than they needed.
Starc must have realised it was going to be one of those days when his first ball flew through the thin mountain air over the extra cover boundary for six.
Batter Priyansh Arya then scooped him high over deep square leg for six more and with five wides coming from a short ball his first over went for 22.
But Starc's Capitals had the last laugh and remain in contention, just.
with AP
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