Mitchell Starc’s 4-Wicket Haul, KL Rahul-Abishek Porel Partnership Keep Delhi Capitals Alive in IPL Playoff Race
Mitchell Starc’s 4-wicket haul and KL Rahul-Abishek Porel partnership helped Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in IPL 2026.
New Delhi: Mitchell Starc produced a match-winning four-wicket haul as Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in their IPL match on Sunday to stay alive in the playoff race. Delhi Capitals successfully chased 194 runs in 19.2 overs after restricting Rajasthan Royals to 193 for 8 despite the visitors reaching 160 for 2 in 14 overs.
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The crucial victory lifted Delhi Capitals from eighth to seventh position in the IPL points table with 12 points.
Mitchell Starc’s Four-Wicket Spell Changes Match
Mitchell Starc delivered a game-changing spell of 4/40 to trigger Rajasthan Royals’ collapse.
Rajasthan Royals were strongly placed at 160 for 2 in 14 overs, but Delhi Capitals pulled back the game as the visitors managed only 33 runs while losing six wickets to finish at 193 for 8.
Starc dismissed skipper Riyan Parag, who scored 51 runs, before removing Donovan Ferreira for a golden duck and trapping Ravi Singh leg-before on the next delivery.
He later returned to dismiss impact substitute Dasun Shanaka for 10 and completed his best bowling figures of the IPL season.
KL Rahul and Abishek Porel Lay Strong Foundation
Delhi Capitals made the chase look comfortable as KL Rahul scored 56 off 42 balls and Abishek Porel smashed 51 off 31 balls.
The pair stitched together a 105-run opening partnership in just 10.1 overs.
Abishek Porel attacked aggressively with seven fours and one six, while KL Rahul paced his innings smartly before falling to Dasun Shanaka.
Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma Finish Chase
Sahil Parakh added a quick 9 runs before Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel remained unbeaten on 34 off 18 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.
Although Jofra Archer dismissed Tristan Stubbs and Brijesh Sharma removed David Miller in the later stages, Ashutosh Sharma sealed the chase with an unbeaten 18 off just five balls.
Delhi Capitals completed the target in 19.2 overs.
Rajasthan Royals Batters Fight Hard
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal started positively before being dismissed for 12 by Lungi Ngidi.
Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi impressed again with a fearless 46-run knock. He survived on 31 after Sameer Rizvi dropped a catch off Tripurana Vijay.
Playing only his second IPL match, Madhav Tiwari dismissed Suryavanshi while attempting a lofted shot.
Dhruv Jurel scored 53 and shared a 70-run second-wicket partnership with Suryavanshi as Rajasthan Royals reached 75 for 1 in the powerplay.
Riyan Parag accelerated rapidly and hammered Mukesh Kumar for 23 runs in one over before Starc dismissed him to change the momentum.
Madhav Tiwari later dismissed Shubham for 5 as Rajasthan Royals lost four wickets in just 15 deliveries.
Delhi Capitals Stay in Playoff Race
The win moved Delhi Capitals to seventh place in the IPL points table with 12 points.
The team remains in contention for a playoff berth ahead of its final league match against Kolkata Knight Riders next Sunday.
Delhi Capitals will now depend on a couple of other results going in their favour to qualify for the IPL playoffs.
Brief Scores
- Delhi Capitals: Won by 5 wickets in 19.2 overs
- Rajasthan Royals: 193/8 in 20 overs
- Delhi Capitals: Successfully chased target
Top Performers:
- Mitchell Starc – 4/40
- KL Rahul – 56 off 42
- Abishek Porel – 51 off 31
- Riyan Parag – 51
- Dhruv Jurel – 53
Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in New Delhi to stay alive in the IPL playoff race. Mitchell Starc’s brilliant 4/40 triggered a Rajasthan collapse, while KL Rahul and Abishek Porel added a 105-run opening stand during the chase. The victory lifted Delhi Capitals to seventh position with 12 points ahead of their final league match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
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