Delhi Capitals, who started their IPL 2026 campaign on a disappointing note, kept their playoff hopes alive after securing a thrilling 3-wicket win over Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The win marked DC’s fifth of the season and helped them move to 10 points from 12 matches, keeping them in seventh place on the points table.
Axar Patel was handed a hefty fine by the BCCI
Despite the victory, DC faced a major setback as captain Axar Patel was handed a hefty fine by the BCCI for maintaining a slow over rate during the high-scoring encounter in Dharamsala.
“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Axar Patel was fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
Delhi Capitals managed to restrict Punjab Kings at 210/5
DC bowlers made full use of the seam-friendly conditions in Dharamsala after a difficult start against Punjab Kings. However, they managed to restrict Punjab Kings at 210/5 in 20 overs. DC endured a tough opening spell, conceding 70 runs without a wicket in the first five overs. However, the momentum shifted in the next phase as the bowlers tightened their lines and dismissed both well-set batters while giving away just 37 runs in the following five overs.
“Since last time I have been saying we are losing the crucial moments. We are a good team, playing a good cricket but not winning those crucial moments. Really happy with the way we played and hopefully we continue playing like this,” Axar said after the match.
“The first 3-4 overs we went for 60 runs and we pulled things back. In the middle overs the way Madhav and Mukesh bowled were the winning moments,” he added.
DC’s lower order guided the side to a 3-wicket win
Coming to chase a target of 210, DC also started on a poor note as they were reeling at 33/3 at one stage. However, an impressive performance from the lower order guided DC to a convincing win.
“Even with the bat, after my dismissal the way (David) Miller, Ashutosh (Sharma) and Madhav (Tiwari) batted it was great. The ball was swinging and seaming, we didn’t bowl in the right areas in the first 3-4 overs, but it was doing something right through, that’s why I didn’t use spin,” Axar said.
Also Read: DC vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Claims Win By 3 Wickets
