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- RR vs DC Highlights, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals pull off record chase, beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets
RR vs DC Highlights, IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals pull off record chase, beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets
Earlier, Rajasthan were in early trouble after losing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal cheaply. That brought immense pressure on skipper Riyan Parag, who had endured a lean run and off-field controversy. However, he responded in emphatic fashion.
Parag rebuilt the innings with intent, finding rhythm after a crucial over against Kyle Jamieson. His aggressive strokeplay returned, highlighted by powerful hits and innovative shots, including a striking forehand-style six off T Natarajan. He brought up his fifty in 32 balls and shared a vital 102-run stand with Dhruv Jurel.
Even after Jurel’s dismissal, Parag continued to push the scoring alongside Ravindra Jadeja before eventually falling to Mitchell Starc. A late burst from Donovan Ferreira lifted Rajasthan to a strong total.
Delhi’s reply was defined by dominance at the top. Rahul began cautiously but soon found his flow, striking elegant drives and clean sixes. Nissanka complemented him perfectly, using the pull shot effectively.
After their 102-run opening stand, Rahul added another crucial partnership with Nitish Rana. Though a brief wobble followed, Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs held their nerve to complete the chase, sealing one of the standout wins of the season.
Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 75 off 40 balls, while Pathum Nissanka set the tone early with a rapid 62 off 33. The pair’s 110-run opening stand put Delhi firmly in control. Contributions from Nitish Rana (33 off 17) and an unbeaten finishing stand between Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs ensured a smooth chase.
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On his fitness, Parag said his hamstring issue isn’t serious and the upcoming break should help recovery. Addressing criticism of his batting, he made it clear that personal performance matters less to him than securing wins for the team.
21 - Rohit Sharma
20 - Virat Kohli
18 - MS Dhoni
17 - Ravindra Jadeja
17 - KL Rahul*
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“Of course it does. At the end of the day we play the sport to win. You score the runs, break the records and don’t get the W then it is not that much fun,” Rahul said.
He admitted the team had gone through honest conversations during a tough run. “The dressing room has been in a decent place, we try to keep it as balanced as possible… we had some honest conversations, every other game we were in the contest, one moment took the game away.”
Rahul also praised the impact of his opening partner, highlighting the importance of a strong start. “I was hoping to get some more balls in the powerplay, but the way Pathum batted it put us ahead in the powerplay.”
He added that small improvements in key moments had made the difference this time. “Some areas we needed to get sharp and crisp, really happy to get this win and really hoping to sting in some wins.”
On his own approach in modern T20 cricket, Rahul spoke about adapting his game. “The strike rate, it was a big talking point for some years, I have worked on that and doing what modern T20 cricket needs.”
A timely knock and a timely reminder for DC as they look to build momentum.
“No, actually even after the last match when I was giving interviews, I was saying the same thing - that you have to come every day and keep doing the same things. You can always turn things around,” Axar said, reflecting on the team’s mindset.
He was particularly pleased with how both departments clicked together. “Very happy with the way the boys played today. The way they batted and bowled, I think both departments were excellent and I’m very happy. The plan was executed exactly the way we wanted and because of that we got the results too.”
Axar also highlighted the impact of early breakthroughs. “If you can get the wickets of the opposition’s main batters - the ones who can change the game in the powerplay - then at that moment there’s nobody happier than me.”
On Mitchell Starc’s return, the DC captain was full of praise. “The way he bowled today, that’s why he’s a legend of the game. After three months away, coming back and delivering a performance like this on a wicket like this - it tells you how big a player he is.”
Speaking about his own growth as captain, Axar said leadership has become more instinctive. “I don’t overthink as much now. I back what I feel and trust my instincts. We also have our coaches and support staff, so the whole think tank is helping.”
He confirmed he is fit after a minor issue, saying, “Yeah, it’s okay now. The physio has applied ice on it.”
Ending on a sombre note, Axar dedicated the win to fans affected by a recent tragedy. “After the tragedy involving some of our fans after the previous game, I just want to say - sorry for your loss. This win is dedicated to them. We lost two members connected with our DC family.”
“I think I was good to get some running in the legs, but nice to be back around the guys, get some training in, and then obviously get the win tonight. So, yeah, nice to return,” Starc said.
He admitted the comeback has been carefully managed after a long break from bowling to batters. “I’ve been bowling a little bit for a period of weeks, just trying to position my elbow so I can manage the movement. I hadn’t bowled to a batter for three months until tonight.”
Looking ahead, Starc said the run-out will only help him find rhythm again, while also brushing off concerns over his fitness with a light-hearted response. “There’s a couple of things. I think we’d laugh if you had three things strapped on and were thinking about retirement, but I’m not quite there yet. But no, it is what it is. It’s the cricket life and the world’s life. We move on.”
226 vs RR, Jaipur, 2026*
210 vs LSG, Vizag, 2025
209 vs GL, Delhi, 2017
207 vs PBKS, Jaipur, 2025
At the top of the list is their stunning chase of 226 against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur in 2026*, their highest successful run chase in IPL history. It was a statement win in a high-pressure game.
Before that, they chased down 210 against Lucknow Super Giants in Vizag in 2025, followed by a strong 209-run chase against Gujarat Lions in Delhi back in 2017. Another memorable effort came in 2025 again, when they overhauled 207 against Punjab Kings in Jaipur.
Interestingly, the 226 chase is also the second-highest successful chase against Rajasthan Royals in IPL history, only behind SRH’s 229 at the same venue earlier in the same season.
“I think it was a good score. I thought 200 was a par score here. It was going to slow down a bit, but I think we could have bowled way better in the middle overs, not let them get away a little too much. And then a lot of boundaries in one single over and that repeated. So I felt we missed the trick with that, but no harm with the decision we made,” Parag said.
Explaining the decision-making around the batting order, he added:
“It was actually a lefty idea and I don't know actually. There were what, six, seven overs to go, or no, eight, nine overs to go? We wanted to delay it slightly, score about 8 or 9 runs off the spinners and then face pace bowling from ball one. I feel that was the plan, nothing much to think about that.”
On his fitness concern, Parag said:
“Hopefully it's not too serious, but a little bit on the hamstring. Thankfully, we have about a week break, so we'll clear it out.”
Responding to criticism over his form, he was clear:
“I don't think I need to answer any critics or anyone talking about it. But at the end of the day, my job is to get two points. So my score and my innings don't really matter if we lose the game.”
For a bowler known for his control and firepower, Archer went for 46 runs in his spell against Delhi Capitals — the most he has conceded in a single innings this year.
The Delhi batters made full use of the conditions, especially during the powerplay, where timing and intent took centre stage. Archer tried varying his pace and lengths, but the Capitals’ top order kept finding gaps and boundaries.
A rare blip for Archer, but a statement night for the Capitals’ batting unit.
A clash of giants - Just the one game on Saturday, 2nd May, but it is a heavyweight clash. Chennai Super Kings will take on their familiar foes, Mumbai Indians, in Chennai, with both sides looking to turn their campaigns around. The first ball will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), and as always, our build-up will be up and running well before that. See you then. Cheers!
What's next for these two teams? With this win, the Delhi Capitals snap their three-game losing streak and now have 4 wins from 9 games. They will now look to build momentum, especially with two home games coming up. First up, they host the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, 5th May. As for the Rajasthan Royals, they will feel they haven't quite capitalised on a strong start to the season. After winning their first four games, they have managed just two wins in their next six. They now head into a break, with their next fixture on Saturday, 9th May in Jaipur against the Gujarat Titans.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - For his stunning knock of 75 runs from 40 balls, KL Rahul wins the award. Rahul also slips on the Orange Cap. He says that at the end of the day, they play the sport to win. Adds that after playing this game for so many years, numbers and records do matter, but you always want the W next to your name. Rahul mentions that despite the result, the dressing room has always been positive, and they try to keep it balanced. They had a few chats to see where things were going wrong or if they were making any blunders, but it was just about winning the key moments. Except for the last game, they have been in the contest for the rest of them, and it was about getting over the line. KL shares that while batting with Nissanka, they just remind each other of playing proper cricket shots. Cheekily says that he would have liked to play a few more balls in the Powerplay, but was happy to see Pathum smashing it all around. According to him, the most pleasing thing this season has been his strike rate, which has been a talking point for a few years. He ends by saying that he has worked hard on it and is glad to be doing what his team and modern T20 cricket require.
The captain of the Delhi Capitals - Axar Patel shares that he is very happy with how the boys played. Tells that he can't ask for more as a captain when plans are executed with the ball. Axar mentions that the team is delighted to have Mitchell Starc back, and says he showed exactly why he is regarded as a legend with the way he bowled tonight, especially coming back from an injury layoff. When asked about the last-ball catch attempt where Axar hurt his left hand, he says everything is fine now, and the physios have iced it. Ends by dedicating the win to the two DC fans who lost their lives in a tragic accident.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
Let's hear from DC's ace speedster - Mitchell Starc says that it's nice to get the cobwebs out. Adds that it was good to get some training in and running in the legs. It's a nice return for him, spending time with the group and contributing towards the win. Mentions that he has been gradually getting his rhythm, but did not bowl to a batter until recently. Starc shares that in T20 cricket, you have to adjust to the pace of the game. He feels in a good place, trusting his skill, and this game was a good reminder of the tempo of the game. Says that there are a few niggles, but that is part of being a fast bowler. You just have to keep going, and it's the nature of the job.
Words from the RR skipper - Riyan Parag says that it was a good score. He felt that around 200 was a par score on this wicket. Mentions that they didn't bowl well in the middle overs and conceded too many boundaries. Shares that as 8-9 overs were still left, they wanted to take the game deep before bringing in Ferreira, but not much to think about that decision. Parag says that he doesn't need to answer any critics, his job is to get two points, and his knock doesn't matter if his team lose. Ends by saying that hopefully it is not a serious injury, it is a hamstring issue, but they have got a week off, so they will see how it goes.
Not the usual Jaipur wicket - That is what Riyan Parag felt when he opted to bat first, expecting the surface to slow down. The home side found themselves in unfamiliar territory, losing both openers inside the first two overs. Parag stepped up with his side in need, and his 102-run stand with Dhruv Jurel helped RR recover from that early setback. With the platform set, many expected Donovan Ferreira to walk in, but it was Ravindra Jadeja who came out ahead of him. That raised a few eyebrows, but Ferreira still made an impact. His blistering 47* off just 14 balls powered RR to 225.
Capitals boss the chase - It was going to be a challenge upfront for the DC openers against the likes of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, but they passed that test with flying colours. Pathum Nissanka was the aggressor in the Powerplay, unleashing shots square of the wicket, before KL Rahul took charge against the spinners in the middle phase. Their 110-run stand laid the perfect foundation for the chase. After Nissanka’s departure, Nitish Rana walked in with intent and took the pressure off Rahul. Both Rahul and Rana fell in quick succession, which gave RR a glimmer of hope, but Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs saw it through without any further hiccups.
A much-needed win for the Delhi Capitals - Coming off the back of two morale-crushing defeats, the Capitals desperately needed a response and pulling off their highest successful run chase in the league's history is one way to make a statement. Riyan Parag had expected the wicket to slow down, but that never quite happened. The ball came on nicely, and the RR bowling unit lacked penetration. After winning four games in a row to kickstart the campaign, the Royals have since blown hot and cold.
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, That's the game! DELHI CAPITALS WIN BY 7 WICKETS with 5 balls to spare. Brijesh Sharma bowls a very high full toss, on middle. Ashutosh Sharma swings at it, and the ball lobs up towards the leg side as the batters cross. It is also called a No Ball for the ball being over the waist of the batter. The Capitals finally snap their losing streak.
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! SCORES LEVEL! Short of a length and outside off, slower as well. Ashutosh Sharma waits for it and smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.
Brijesh Sharma to bowl the final over. Wicketless so far and gone for 30 runs in his 3 overs.
- Tristan Stubbs 18 (11)
- Ashutosh Sharma 21 (13)
Jofra Archer to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! That should be the game for DC! Jofra Archer serves this full, on middle and leg. Tristan Stubbs flicks it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Ravi Bishnoi initially runs forward but fails to judge the flight of the ball. He then moves to his right, but it is too late as the ball bounces to the fence for a boundary. Archer is not happy with that effort. Just 5 needed in the final over.
Jofra Archer to Ashutosh Sharma, Hard length and on middle and leg, Ashutosh Sharma gets rushed and forces it down to long on for just one. He wants the second but is sent back.
Jofra Archer to Tristan Stubbs, Another fine yorker, on leg, Tristan Stubbs jams it out to long on for a run.
Jofra Archer to Tristan Stubbs, Jofra Archer delivers the perfect yorker, on middle, Tristan Stubbs gets his bat down in time and can only dig it down the pitch.
Jofra Archer to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and on middle, Tristan Stubbs flicks it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 11 needed in 10 now!
Jofra Archer to Ashutosh Sharma, A high full toss, angling into the leg side. Ashutosh Sharma looks to heave it away but miscues it high in the air. However, it lands well wide of deep square leg and the batters take a single.
Jofra Archer (3-0-37-1) to bowl the penultimate over with DC needing 14 runs off 12 balls. Can Archer take the game to the final over?
- Ashutosh Sharma 19 (11)
- Tristan Stubbs 11 (7)
Tushar Deshpande to Ashutosh Sharma, Low full toss, angling into the pads, Ashutosh Sharma clips it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 16 runs off the over!
Tushar Deshpande to Tristan Stubbs, Nails the yorker now, on middle, Tristan Stubbs digs it out to the left of mid on for one.
Tushar Deshpande to Tristan Stubbs, WIDE! And again! Spills this full and way outside off, Tristan Stubbs happily leaves it alone. 16 needed in 14 now.
Tushar Deshpande to Tristan Stubbs, WIDE! Hard length but outside off, over the tramline, Tristan Stubbs lets it go.
Tushar Deshpande to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! That brings down the equation much in favour of DC now! Tushar Deshpande misses his yorker but Tristan Stubbs does not miss out. A full toss, on off. Stubbs with an excellent follow-through smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Tushar Deshpande to Ashutosh Sharma, In the blockhole, outside off, Ashutosh Sharma squeezes it out to deep point for a single.
Halt! The physio comes out for the concussion check. Ashutosh Sharma looks unflustered. Even before the check is complete, he has put the helmet back on. Sharma is ready to continue.
Tushar Deshpande to Ashutosh Sharma, Ouch! A low full toss, around off, Ashutosh Sharma gets down across for the scoop, but the ball goes off the face of the bat straight into the grill of the helmet.
Tushar Deshpande to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! 200 UP FOR DC! Tushar Deshpande tries the wide yorker but just misses it, outside off. Ashutosh Sharma lets the ball come to him, opens the face of the bat and using the pace, he glides it past short third for a boundary.
Tushar Deshpande to Ashutosh Sharma, WIDE! Fuller but way outside off, Ashutosh Sharma backs away a bit and leaves it alone. Wided.
Danny Morrison informs on air that Ravindra Jadeja is off the park due to an ankle issue. Tushar Deshpande (3-0-22-1) has been brought back. Can he conjure something special in his final over?
- Ashutosh Sharma 13 (7)
- Tristan Stubbs 4 (5)
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Back of a length and outside off, slower as well, Ashutosh Sharma stabs it out through extra covers for one. 30 needed in the last three overs!
Oh, no! One of the floodlight towers has gone off. Yashasvi Jaiswal takes the break in play as an opportunity to have a chat with the bowler. The light tower is back up and running. We are all good to resume.
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, FOUR! Gets it away! Brijesh Sharma attempts the yorker again, but bowls a low full toss, on middle, tailing in. Ashutosh Sharma gets down and across to get inside the line of it to paddle it past short fine for a boundary.
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, Hard length and on off, Ashutosh Sharma opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a brace.
Brijesh Sharma to Ashutosh Sharma, WIDE! Again bowls this full but down the leg, Ashutosh Sharma lets it go. Called a wide again.
Brijesh Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, Slower again, full and on middle, Tristan Stubbs works it towards long on for another run.
Brijesh Sharma to Tristan Stubbs, WIDE! Brijesh Sharma tries the yorker but spills it down the leg side, Tristan Stubbs fails to get any bat on it. If he had, it could have been a boundary.
Parag had earlier produced a much-needed comeback innings, guiding Rajasthan to 225 for 6 after they were reduced to 12 for 2. His 50-ball effort, combined with key contributions from Dhruv Jurel and a late blitz from Donovan Ferreira, gave the Royals a strong total.
In response, Delhi started aggressively, with Rahul and Nissanka stitching together a 102-run opening stand in just 9.3 overs. Their partnership set the tone for the chase and put Rajasthan under immediate pressure.
Even though both Rahul and Nitish Rana fell in quick succession later, Delhi kept control of the chase. Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs finished the job calmly.
The result pushed Delhi up to sixth in the standings, while Rajasthan remained fourth despite Parag’s strong return to form.
