KKR's Spin Attack Dominates DC in IPL Clash

In a thrilling IPL encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders' spin bowlers delivered a stellar performance, limiting Delhi Capitals to just 142 runs. With KKR chasing a target of 143 for their fourth consecutive win, the match showcased impressive bowling tactics and key wickets that shifted the momentum. As DC struggled to maintain their scoring pace, KKR's bowlers, particularly Anukul Roy and Kartik, played pivotal roles in the outcome. This match not only highlights the prowess of KKR's spin attack but also sets the stage for an exciting chase ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 02:22 IST

KKR's Spin Trio Shines Against DC

New Delhi [India], May 8: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased an impressive display of spin bowling, led by Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy, which restricted Delhi Capitals (DC) to a mere 142 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.

With a target of 143 runs, KKR aims for their fourth consecutive victory, while DC is desperate to defend this total to avoid a fifth straight home defeat.

After winning the toss, KKR opted to bowl first. Openers KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka got off to a strong start, scoring freely against the KKR spinners, averaging nearly 10 runs per over. However, KL's aggressive approach led to his dismissal after hitting a couple of boundaries off pacer Kartik Tyagi, as he attempted a risky shot that was caught by Cameron Green, leaving DC at 49 for 1 after five overs.

DC crossed the 50-run mark in just over five overs.

By the end of the powerplay, DC stood at 55 for 1, with Nitish Rana (1*) and Nissanka (31*) still at the crease.

Nissanka continued to score freely, even hitting Green for a six and a four. However, the Australian all-rounder struck back by dismissing Nitish for 8 runs off 10 balls, leaving DC at 74 for 2 after eight overs.

As the spin bowlers took control, Narine dismissed Sameer Rizvi for just three runs, reducing DC to 80 for 3 at the halfway mark.

In the 11th over, Anukul made a significant impact by taking the wicket of Nissanka, who had just reached his second fifty of the season, with a stumping by keeper Angkrish Raghuvanshi for 50 runs off 29 balls (including five fours and three sixes). He then bowled Tristan Stubbs for 2 runs, leaving DC in a precarious position at 89 for 5.

The KKR spinners continued to apply pressure, with Varun, Anukul, and Sunil effectively containing Ashutosh Sharma and skipper Axar Patel during the middle overs. From the 11th to the 15th over, DC managed to score only 18 runs, with just one boundary from Nissanka.

DC finally reached the 100-run mark in the 16th over. Ashutosh broke a 38-ball boundary drought with a six on the third ball of the 17th over, followed by two more fours, scoring 16 runs in that over.

Vaibhav Arora ended Axar's innings with a catch from Anukul, as the captain struggled to score just 11 runs off 22 balls, leaving DC at 128 for 6 in the 18.3 overs. Ashutosh, however, managed to hit a four and a six in the same over.

With support from Ajinkya Rahane, Kartik took his second wicket by dismissing Ashutosh for 39 runs off 28 balls, which included three fours and three sixes, bringing DC down to 140 for 7 in the 19.2 overs. He also took out Mitchell Starc for a duck, leaving DC at 140 for 8.

DC concluded their innings at 142 for 8, with Lungi Ngidi (1*) and Vipraj Nigam (3*) remaining not out.

Kartik (2/25 in four overs) and Anukul (2/31 in four overs) were the standout bowlers for KKR, while Varun (0/28 in four overs) and Narine (1/17 in four overs) also played crucial roles in stifling DC's scoring.