New Delhi: Delhi Capitals batsmen KL Rahul And Nitish Rana produced a batting masterclass as they eliminated Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.Rahul, who was given an early lifeline after Shashank Singh was dropped for 12 off Arsdeep Singh, ruthlessly made the most of the relief. The right-hander dominated the PBKS bowling attack and played shots with authority and control all around the ground.
Along with Rana, Rahul put together a sensational unbeaten 150-plus stand, which came in just 70 balls. It is the highest partnership for any wicket for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings, surpassing the 146-run partnership between Virender Sehwag and David Warner in 2011.The duo’s effort also eclipsed other notable stands, including the 106-run partnership between Mayank Agarwal and Yuvraj Singh in 2015, and Agarwal with Shreyas Iyer the same year.Rahul brought up a stunning century off just 47 balls – his sixth in IPL history – showing his ability to switch gears with ease after a cautious start.At the other end, Rana provided excellent support, scoring a 29-ball half-century and keeping the pressure firmly on the opposition.One of the standout moments of the innings came in the 12th over, when Rana took on Xavier Bartlett and scored 28 runs. This over is now the most expensive over for a Delhi Capitals batsman in IPL history.Only three instances – all scoring 30 runs – sit above that, including efforts by Sehwag, Jack Fraser-McGurk, and Rishabh Pant.Most runs in an over by a DC batsman in IPL30 – Virender Sehwag Andrew Symonds (Deccan), Hyderabad, 200830 – Jake Fraser-McGurk of Washington Sundar (SRH), Delhi, 202430 – Mohit Sharma (GT), Delhi, 2024 to Rishabh Pant28 – Shreyas Iyer from Shivam Mavi (KKR), Delhi, 201828 – Rishabh Pant of Venkatesh Iyer (KKR), Visakhapatnam, 202428 – Awish Khan (RR), Delhi, 2024 to Jack Fraser-McGurk28 – Nitish Rana of Xavier Bartlett (PBKS), Delhi, 2026It means century. DC vs. PBKS (any wicket)150* – KL Rahul and Nitish Rana, Delhi, 2026146 – Virender Sehwag and David Warner, Delhi, 2011106 – Mayank Agarwal and Yuvraj Singh, Pune, 2015106 – Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Iyer, Delhi, 2015
