Delhi Capitals produced a sensational batting display to defeat Punjab Kings by three wickets in Match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Chasing a daunting target of 211, DC rode on explosive half-centuries from skipper Axar Patel and David Miller before late fireworks from Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari sealed the contest with one over to spare.
After being invited to bowl first by Delhi Capitals captain Axar, the visitors struggled initially to contain Punjab Kings’ aggressive batting line-up. PBKS posted a formidable 210/5 in their 20 overs thanks to commanding knocks from Priyansh Arya and skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer lead PBKS charge
Punjab Kings got off to a flying start through Arya, who continued his impressive form with a blazing 56 off just 33 deliveries. The young opener smashed two boundaries and six towering sixes, putting the Delhi bowlers under immediate pressure. Prabhsimran Singh chipped in with 18 off 15 balls before being dismissed while trying to accelerate.
Cooper Connolly played a valuable supporting role with a composed 38 from 27 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving through the middle overs. However, it was Iyer who anchored the innings brilliantly. The PBKS skipper scored 59 runs off 36 balls, striking five fours and three sixes in a classy innings that balanced aggression with control.
Late cameos from Suryansh Shedge, who hammered 21 off just eight balls, lifted Punjab Kings beyond the 200-run mark. Delhi Capitals bowlers had a difficult outing overall, although Madhav Tiwari impressed with the ball by picking up two wickets for 40 runs in his four overs. Mukesh Kumar also chipped in with one wicket while Mitchell Starc endured an expensive evening, conceding 57 runs.
Axar Patel and David Miller rescue Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals’ chase began on a shaky note as KL Rahul and Abishek Porel departed cheaply. Sahil Parakh provided a quick spark with 13 off six balls, but PBKS bowlers continued to strike regularly and reduced DC to a tricky position. Tristan Stubbs struggled to find momentum during his 12-run knock before Axar took control of the innings. The DC skipper played a captain’s knock, smashing 56 runs off only 30 deliveries with the help of eight fours and two sixes. Axar counterattacked brilliantly against both pace and spin, shifting the pressure back onto Punjab Kings.
Miller then joined the assault and played one of his trademark finishing knocks. The experienced left-hander blasted 51 off 28 balls, including four sixes, keeping Delhi firmly in the chase despite wickets falling at the other end.
Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi takes a splendid catch to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh in PBKS vs DC IPL 2026 clash
Madhav Tiwari finishes in style
Punjab Kings fought back through Arshdeep Singh, who bowled an excellent spell of 2/21 in four overs. Yash Thakur also picked up two wickets but proved expensive, while Ben Dwarshuis and Marcus Stoinis failed to control the scoring rate during the death overs.
With the required rate climbing slightly towards the end, Ashutosh Sharma changed the momentum once again with a blistering 24 off 10 balls. Madhav Tiwari then capped off a memorable all-round performance with a fearless unbeaten 18 off just eight deliveries.
The winning moment came in dramatic fashion as Auqib Nabi Dar smashed 10 runs off only two balls to finish the chase in 19 overs. Delhi Capitals eventually reached 216/7 to complete one of the most entertaining run chases of the season. Young all-rounder Tiwari was deservedly named Player of the Match for his impactful contribution in both innings. He picked up two crucial wickets during Punjab Kings’ innings and later played a vital cameo with the bat under pressure to guide Delhi Capitals home.
Herr’s how fans reacted:
Finishing of the finest quality 🤩@DelhiCapitals fans, how elated are you? 🥳
A terrific victory by 3⃣ wickets in Dharamshala ✌️
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/wHhflKIvCR#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvDC pic.twitter.com/63K0Tcylbg
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 11, 2026
What a twist to #PBKSvsDC! Must admit I didn’t see it coming. Great character from @DelhiCapitals. And another young man just strolls into the spotlight #MadhavTiwari. Lots to think about for #PunjabKings. They should still qualify but this is a scare now and they really need to…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 11, 2026
Surprising how no spinner was used by DC and Punjab at Dharamshala. Statistics show how spinners have better economy than pacers at this ground since 2023. Seasoned match winners Axar Patel and Yuzi Chahal playing no role with the ball in a T20 game is puzzling.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 11, 2026
A tremendous run chase as Delhi Capitals are well and truly alive in #IPL2026 💪#PBKSvsDC pic.twitter.com/AX3w2UFtCa
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 11, 2026
🚨🏏4 th Defeat for Punjab Kings🚨🏏.
Ashutosh Sharma
Axar Patel
David Miller
snatch the game from Punjab Kings. #PBKSvsDC #DCvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/GUtQYNuwfh— LeoMen 🍋 (@lomennTea) May 11, 2026
What a game by the Delhi Capitals!
In a must-win clash, DC showed character, composure, and fearless intent to defeat Punjab Kings in style.Brilliant fifties from Axar Patel and David Miller laid the perfect foundation, while the explosive finishing by Ashutosh Sharma and…
— Brijendra Verma (@VermaJi_X) May 11, 2026
Axar Patel ignited with a fiery 56 off 30, David Miller unleashed a blinder 51 off 28! Their heroics powered DC to a thrilling 3-wicket win chasing 211 vs PBKS (210/5). #PBKSvsDC pic.twitter.com/xdWlNsaaLz
— Mufaddal Shailu (@Shailu_15Jul) May 11, 2026
Excellent win for Delhi Capitals 🔥🏏
They stay alive in the hunt with a superb team performance
Big contributions from David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, and Madhav Tiwari— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) May 11, 2026
I don’t understand why did Delhi Capitals drop David Miller in last game,
David Miller well played against PBKS.
Axar Patel played also well.#PBKSvsDC— Sharik (@siddiquisharik1) May 11, 2026
Axar Patel ignited with a fiery 56 off 30, David Miller unleashed a blinder 51 off 28! Their heroics powered DC to a thrilling 3-wicket win chasing 211 vs PBKS (210/5). #PBKSvsDC pic.twitter.com/QItQ6aL9Lv
— Umair 🤎🧸 عمیر علی (@umair_nobody) May 11, 2026
DC beat PBKS by 3 Wickets. Axar Patel and David Miller scored Fifty pic.twitter.com/KaHbwofix4
— Shivansh rajpal (@RajpalShiv46534) May 11, 2026
Delhi Capitals won by 3 Wickets. What a Win. Match Winning Knocks Axar Patel 56(30), David Miller 51(28) and Ashutosh Sharma 24(10). Excellent Performance on Debut Madhav Tiwari 2/40 & 18*(8).@DelhiCapitals #IPL2026 #PBKSvDC
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) May 11, 2026
What a thriller! PBKS vs DC – DC on the ropes, but Axar, Miller, Ashutosh & Madhav’s epic fightback keeps playoff dreams alive! 💥🏏 #PBKSvsDC #IPL2026 #DCFightback #Thriller #PBKSvsDC David Miller Axar Patel Ashutosh Sharma @DelhiCapitals
— Karthik K V (@karthik_reddy94) May 11, 2026
First Axar Patel and then David Miller played a blinder for Delhi Capitals. And it proved a match winning knock for both the players. DC won 🙌#PBKSvsDC pic.twitter.com/1vbbkDRBsG
— VIKASH KUMAR (@vkc1000) May 11, 2026
Also READ: Here’s why PBKS pacer Lockie Ferguson is not playing today’s IPL 2026 match against DC
