KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 and Nitish Rana’s 91 power Delhi Capitals to 264/2 against Punjab Kings, setting a huge 265-run target in a thrilling IPL 2026 DC vs PBKS clash
New Delhi: Delhi Capitals put on a batting show and scored a huge 264/2 in 20 overs against Punjab Kings in an IPL 2026 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Powered by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 and Nitish Rana’s quick 91, Delhi posted one of its highest totals in IPL history and put Punjab under pressure with a target of 265.
Punjab Kings came into the match unbeaten this season, but Delhi took control after winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a good batting pitch.
Rahul and Rana Take Over After Early Wicket
Delhi lost Pathum Nissanka for 11 off 7 balls, caught by Prabhsimran Singh off Arshdeep Singh, but that was Punjab’s only success for a long time.
After that, KL Rahul and Nitish Rana dominated the innings. They attacked every bowler, kept the scoreboard moving and never let Punjab settle.
Rahul mixed elegance with brute power, while Rana kept the boundaries flowing from the other end. Their explosive stand completely shifted the momentum and powered Delhi to a towering total.
KL Rahul Smashes 152
KL Rahul lit up the night with a breathtaking 152 not out off 67 balls, playing one of the finest knocks of IPL 2026. Rahul hit 16 fours and 9 sixes at a stunning strike rate of 226.87, blending class, control and clean hitting in a near-perfect innings.
He reached his century in just 47 balls and kept attacking till the end. He scored heavily in the final overs and guided Delhi to a huge total.
This knock is already being counted among the best innings of the season.
Also Read: Kohli vs Gill: Who Will Rule Chinnaswamy Tonight in RCB vs GT Clash?
Nitish Rana’s 91 Gives Delhi Extra Firepower
Nitish Rana also played a brilliant knock, scoring 91 off 44 balls.
He hit 11 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 206.82 and built a huge partnership with Rahul that broke records for Delhi.
He missed out on a hundred when Xavier Bartlett dismissed him, with Shreyas Iyer taking the catch, but by then he had done major damage.
Delhi Finish Strong at 264/2
David Miller stayed 3 not out off 3 balls, while Delhi also got 7 extras.
Delhi Capitals Scorecard:
- Pathum Nissanka – 11 (7)
- KL Rahul* – 152 (67)
- Nitish Rana – 91 (44)
- David Miller* – 3 (3)
Extras – 7
Total – 264/2 in 20 overs
Delhi scored at 13.2 runs per over, with nearly 90 runs coming in the last five overs, leaving Punjab bowlers under pressure.
PBKS Bowlers Manage Only Two Wickets
Punjab Kings bowlers had a tough day as Delhi batters dominated almost the whole innings.
Punjab Kings Bowling:
Arshdeep Singh – 1 wicket
Got the early wicket of Pathum Nissanka.
Xavier Bartlett – 1 wicket
Dismissed Nitish Rana late in the innings.
Other Punjab bowlers went wicketless as Rahul and Rana controlled the innings.
Punjab Kings need 265 to win. However, they must score at 13.25 runs per over. As a result, it stands among IPL’s toughest run chases.
Meanwhile, the match belongs to KL Rahul. His unbeaten 152 led Delhi’s charge. Moreover, his record stand with Nitish Rana put Delhi in command. Consequently, this became one of IPL 2026’s great performances.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
