Delhi Capitals Triumph Over Royal Challengers in Nail-Biting Finish

In a gripping IPL match, Delhi Capitals edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets, thanks to stellar performances from KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. Despite a shaky start, DC's resilience shone through as they chased down a target of 176 runs in a nail-biting finish. With this victory, DC climbs to fourth place in the standings, while RCB remains in second. The match showcased thrilling moments, including a last-ball finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Read on for a detailed recap of this exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 02:08 IST

Thrilling Victory for Delhi Capitals

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 18: A remarkable performance from KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, and a decisive finish by David Miller propelled Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thrilling four-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a nail-biting encounter on Saturday.

This victory elevates DC to the fourth position in the standings with three wins and two losses, totaling six points. Meanwhile, RCB remains in second place with four wins and two losses, accumulating eight points.

RCB, batting first, managed to score only 175 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. Phil Salt was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 63 runs off 38 balls, while wickets fell at regular intervals. Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel each took two wickets for DC. In response, DC faced early trouble, slipping to 18/3 due to a brilliant bowling spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, fifties from KL Rahul (57 off 34 balls) and Stubbs (60* off 47 balls), along with a strong finish from Miller (22* off 10 balls), led DC to a remarkable win.

RCB's Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided the perfect start by dismissing Pathum Nissanka for just one run in the first over. He followed up by taking out Karun Nair (5) and Sameer Rizvi (2) with spectacular catches from Phil Salt and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, leaving DC in a precarious position at 18/3.

KL Rahul began to stabilize the innings, hitting a six and a couple of fours against Josh Hazlewood, scoring 14 runs in that over. By the end of the power play, DC was at 50/3 after six overs.

Rahul continued to build momentum, reaching his half-century in just 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes. At the halfway mark, DC was at 87/3, with KL (57*) and Stubbs (18*) still at the crease.

In the second half of the innings, Krunal Pandya dismissed KL for 57 runs, caught by Virat Kohli. DC was now at 87/4 in the 11th over.

Skipper Axar Patel quickly got into the act, hitting a four on his first ball and helping Stubbs take DC past the 100-run mark in 11.5 overs.

Rasikh Dar Salam's 13th over eased some pressure on DC as Axar and Stubbs hit three fours. By the end of the 14th over, DC was at 130/4, with Axar (24*) and Stubbs (36*) still batting.

RCB bowlers tightened their grip in the following overs, with Krunal, Bhuvneshwar, and Hazlewood keeping the runs to a minimum. Axar had to leave the field due to cramps after scoring 26 runs off 19 balls.

Stubbs broke a 24-ball boundary drought with a six off Bhuvneshwar, reaching his half-century in 41 balls. With two overs remaining, DC needed 25 runs, with Stubbs and Miller at the crease.

Stubbs and Miller kept the chase alive, scoring 10 runs in Rasikh's penultimate over. DC entered the final over needing 15 runs.

Romario Shepherd bowled the last over, and after a couple of singles, Miller hit two consecutive sixes and a four, sealing the victory for DC with one ball to spare. DC finished their chase at 179/4 in 19.5 overs, with Miller (22* off 10 balls) and Stubbs (60* off 47 balls) not out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Hazlewood and Rasikh also bowled well towards the end. Krunal Pandya had a commendable spell, finishing with figures of 1/24 in four overs.

Earlier, RCB set a target of 176 runs after a solid start at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The opening partnership between Phil Salt and Virat Kohli yielded 52 runs, with Salt hitting two fours and a six against Aquib Nabi.

Kohli, aiming for his 300th IPL six, scored 19 runs before falling to Lungi Ngidi. RCB managed to score 59 runs during the power play.

Devdutt Padikkal contributed 18 runs but was dismissed by DC's Axar Patel. Salt continued to dominate, reaching his half-century in 30 balls, ultimately scoring 63 runs off 38 balls before being caught by Stubbs.

RCB's Rajat Patidar and Tim David both fell quickly, leaving RCB at 146 runs for the loss of five wickets. Despite efforts from the lower order, RCB could only muster 175 runs.

For DC, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel each took two wickets, while Mukesh Kumar claimed one wicket.

Brief Score: RCB – 175/8 (Phil Salt – 63 off 38 balls, Tim David – 26 off 17 balls, Axar Patel 2/18) lost to DC: 179/4 in 19.5 overs (Tristan Stubbs 60*, KL Rahul 57, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/26) by six wickets.