Delhi Capitals Triumph Over Punjab Kings in Thrilling IPL 2026 Encounter

In a gripping IPL 2026 match, the Delhi Capitals triumphed over the Punjab Kings by three wickets, successfully chasing a target of 211 runs. Key performances from captain Axar Patel and David Miller turned the game around after a shaky start. Despite early setbacks, the lower order held their nerve, securing a crucial victory that keeps DC's playoff hopes alive. The match featured record-breaking performances from both teams, making it a memorable encounter in the tournament. Discover all the highlights and key moments from this thrilling clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 02:10 IST

Dramatic Victory for Delhi Capitals

Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 12: In a thrilling match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a remarkable victory against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by three wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 211 runs at the HPCA Stadium on Monday.

Punjab Kings set a challenging score of 210/5 in their 20 overs. Despite a strong start, DC found themselves in trouble at 74/4 in just over eight overs. However, a combination of poor bowling and missed opportunities allowed DC to clinch the match with one over to spare.

The Capitals' innings began poorly, with the top order faltering against the conditions. PBKS bowlers Arshdeep Singh (2/21 in 4 overs) and Yash Thakur (2/55 in 4 overs) quickly reduced DC to 47/3 during the Powerplay, dismissing Abishek Porel (5), KL Rahul (9), and Sahil Parakh (13) cheaply.

Captain Axar Patel stepped up, playing a pivotal role with a brisk 56 off 33 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. His aggressive yet strategic batting helped shift the momentum back in favor of DC.

Joining him was David Miller, who showcased his prowess with a quickfire 51 off 28 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Their partnership of 64 runs off just 34 balls was crucial in turning the tide for DC.

Although PBKS managed to dismiss Axar and Miller in quick succession, the lower order of DC remained composed under pressure. Ashutosh Sharma (24 runs off 10 balls) and Madhav Tiwari contributed significantly, with Sharma hitting two sixes and a four in one over, helping DC to gather 19 runs.

As the innings progressed, Madhav struck a boundary and Ashutosh added another six before being dismissed. However, a no-ball from Yash Thakur allowed new batter Auqib Nabi to capitalize, hitting a four and a six, leading DC to a total of 216/7 in 19 overs.

Madhav finished unbeaten on 18 runs from 8 balls, while Auqib Nabi added a quick 10 off 2 balls. This victory propelled DC to the seventh position in the points table with five wins from 12 matches, while PBKS faced their fourth consecutive defeat, remaining in fourth place.

Earlier, PBKS had a blazing start, with openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya scoring 22 runs in the first over, marking the highest first-over score for PBKS in IPL history. They reached 50 runs in just 2.4 overs, setting a record for the fastest team fifty for PBKS.

Priyansh achieved his fifth half-century of the tournament in just 24 balls, and by the end of the powerplay, PBKS was comfortably placed at 72/0. However, the innings saw a shift when Mukesh Kumar dismissed Prabhsimran for 18 runs, followed by Madhav Tiwari taking out Priyansh for 56 runs.

Despite losing wickets, skipper Shreyas Iyer and Cooper Connolly steadied the innings, with Iyer reaching his 32nd IPL half-century off 32 balls. However, late wickets from Mitchell Starc did not prevent PBKS from crossing the 200-run mark, finishing at 210/5. Iyer remained not out on 59 off 36 balls, while Suryansh Shedge contributed a quick 21*.

For Delhi, Madhav (2/40) and Starc (2/57) were the standout bowlers.