PBKS vs DC Match Highlights 2026: Axar Patel, Miller & Ashutosh Save Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a stunning three-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Chasing a massive 211-run target, DC recovered from an early collapse thanks to brilliant innings from Axar Patel, David Miller, and Ashutosh Sharma in one of the best run chases of the season.
Punjab Kings looked in complete control for most of the match, but poor execution in the death overs and another disappointing bowling performance allowed Delhi Capitals to snatch victory from an almost impossible situation.
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Punjab Kings Explode In Powerplay
Punjab Kings came out aggressively after being asked to bat first at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Priyansh Arya attacked Mitchell Starc from the very first over, smashing multiple sixes as PBKS raced to their fastest team fifty of IPL 2026.
Arya reached a brilliant half-century in just 24 balls and dominated the DC pace attack during the powerplay. PBKS ended the first six overs at 72/0 and looked set for a gigantic total.
Captain Shreyas Iyer finally returned to form after a difficult run, scoring a classy 59 off 36 balls. His partnership with Arya stabilized Punjab after the middle overs slowed down slightly.
Young pacer Madhav Tiwari impressed for Delhi Capitals despite expensive figures. He picked up the wickets of Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly using clever variations and slower deliveries.
At the death, Suryansh Shedge provided the finishing touch with a destructive cameo against Mitchell Starc. Punjab Kings eventually posted a strong 210/5 in 20 overs.
Delhi Capitals Collapse Early Again
Delhi Capitals once again struggled badly in the powerplay. Yash Thakur removed Abishek Porel early before KL Rahul departed after a superb catch from Marco Jansen near the boundary.
Sahil Parakh also chipped in with a wicket as DC slipped to 33/3 inside five overs. The pressure was completely on Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs to rebuild the innings.
Unlike previous games, Delhi refused to panic. Axar Patel played with freedom and attacked the Punjab bowlers despite the difficult situation. Tristan Stubbs added useful support before being run out by a direct hit from Cooper Connolly.
Axar Patel And David Miller Change The Match
The turning point came when David Miller joined Axar Patel in the middle. Dew started affecting the conditions and Punjab Kings struggled badly to control the wet ball.
Axar Patel produced his best batting performance of IPL 2026, smashing 56 runs from just 30 deliveries. The DC captain attacked both pace and short boundaries aggressively to keep the required rate under control.
David Miller then shifted momentum completely towards Delhi Capitals. The South African batter targeted Marco Jansen and Ben Dwarshuis with powerful hitting during the death overs.
Miller reached his fifty in only 27 balls and looked unstoppable before Prabhsimran Singh pulled off an excellent catch near the boundary rope.
Even after Miller’s dismissal, Ashutosh Sharma continued the assault with a quickfire 24 off 10 balls. Madhav Tiwari also played a fearless cameo as DC scored 73 runs in the final four overs to complete an incredible chase.
PBKS Bowling Problems Continue
Punjab Kings have now lost four consecutive matches despite their batting lineup consistently producing big scores. Their bowling attack once again failed to defend a 200-plus total.
Spin was completely absent from the contest, with both teams using only pace bowlers throughout the entire match. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer later admitted that the team lacked proper planning during the crucial final overs.
Bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also accepted that Punjab failed to execute their bowling skills under pressure. Dropped catches and poor death-over bowling proved costly as DC escaped with an important win.
Punjab Kings have now conceded multiple 200-plus totals this season, exposing serious weaknesses in their bowling department despite having one of the strongest batting units in IPL 2026.
What This Win Means For Delhi Capitals
This victory keeps Delhi Capitals mathematically alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race. With only a few matches remaining, DC needed a perfect result and finally delivered under pressure.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, remain inside the top four but their fourth straight defeat has increased pressure ahead of crucial upcoming games against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals will next face Rajasthan Royals, while Punjab Kings must quickly solve their bowling issues before the playoffs race becomes even tighter.
PBKS vs DC Match Scorecard
Punjab Kings – 210/5 (20 Overs)
- Priyansh Arya – 56 (33)
- Shreyas Iyer – 59 (36)
- Suryansh Shedge – 21 (8)
Delhi Capitals – 216/7 (19 Overs)
- David Miller – 51 (28)
- Axar Patel – 56 (30)
- Ashutosh Sharma – 24 (10)
Delhi Capitals won by 3 wickets.