Axar Patel Fined for Slow Over Rate as Delhi Capitals Triumph Over Punjab Kings
Axar Patel Penalized for Slow Over Rate
Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel has received a fine for a slow over rate during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Monday.
The IPL announced on Tuesday that Patel was fined Rs 12 lakhs. This penalty was imposed as it marked his team's first violation of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which addresses minimum over-rate infractions.
DC Secures Victory in a Nail-Biting Finish
In a thrilling encounter, DC emerged victorious by three wickets, enhancing their chances for a playoff spot as they climbed to seventh place in the points table with five wins out of 12 matches. PBKS batted first, scoring 210/5, bolstered by a strong start from Priyansh Arya, who scored 56 runs off 33 balls, and Prabhsimran Singh. Captain Shreyas Iyer played a pivotal role, finishing with an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, while Suryansh Shedge contributed a quick 21.
On the bowling front, Mukesh Kumar and Madhav Tiwari were notable for DC, with figures of 1/31 and 2/40 respectively in their four overs.
In pursuit of 211 runs, DC faced early trouble at 74/4. However, Axar Patel's 56 off 33 balls and David Miller's explosive 51 off 28 balls helped stabilize the innings, with the pair adding 64 runs in a short span. Despite losing wickets towards the end, the lower order held their nerve, with Ashutosh Sharma scoring a vital 24 off 10 balls, Madhav Tiwari remaining not out on 18 off 8, and Auqib Nabi contributing 10* off just two balls, leading DC to a total of 216/7 in 19 overs.
Next Matches on the Horizon
Despite suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, Punjab Kings remain in fourth place in the standings. They are set to host Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala on Thursday, while DC will face Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.