Hyderabad: Delhi Capitals pulled off a record breaking three wicket win over Punjab Kings in Match 55 of IPL 2026 on Monday, successfully chasing a 200 plus target for the first time at the venue.
After being asked to bowl first by Delhi skipper Axar Patel, Punjab Kings posted a strong total of 210 for five in 20 overs, powered by impressive half centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Priyansh Arya.
However, Delhi Capitals responded with an aggressive chase and reached the target with six balls to spare to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Axar Patel and David Miller anchor Delhi chase
Delhi Capitals suffered an early collapse and slipped to 33 for three inside the first five overs. However, captain Axar Patel and David Miller steadied the innings with a crucial 64 run partnership.
Axar, who struggled for form earlier in the tournament, produced a timely half century and led the recovery with aggressive batting. Miller also attacked Punjab’s bowling unit and kept Delhi in the chase.
Even after both batters were dismissed shortly after reaching their fifties, Delhi maintained momentum through late hitting from Ashutosh Sharma and debutant Madhav Tiwari.
The duo smashed key boundaries and sixes during the death overs before Auqib Nabi sealed the victory with a straight six.
Speaking after the win, Axar Patel praised the team’s fighting spirit and young players for stepping up under pressure.
Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer shine for Punjab
Earlier in the innings, Priyansh Arya gave Punjab Kings a flying start by smashing a six off the very first ball from Mitchell Starc. Punjab dominated the powerplay as Starc conceded 22 runs in the opening over.
After a brief middle order slowdown, captain Shreyas Iyer and Cooper Connolly rebuilt the innings with an 83 run partnership.
Late fireworks from Suryansh Shedge, who scored 21 runs off just eight deliveries, helped Punjab cross the 200 run mark.
Despite the defeat, Punjab Kings remain fourth in the IPL 2026 points table with 13 points.
IPL 2026 points table update
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue to lead the IPL 2026 standings with 14 points and the best net run rate in the competition.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are second, followed by Gujarat Titans in third place.
Punjab Kings occupy fourth place, while Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals remain close behind in the playoff race.
Delhi Capitals moved to seventh position with 10 points after the win. Kolkata Knight Riders are eighth, while Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants remain near the bottom of the table.
