IPL 2026 | PBKS’ Top 2 Finish Gets Tougher As DC Seal Nervy Chase To Stay In The Playoff Race

Delhi Capitals chased down 211 in just 19 overs against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala after stunning knocks from Axar Patel and David Miller.

Delhi Capitals pulled off a sensational three-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Match 55 of IPL 2026 at Dharamsala on May 11. Chasing a massive target of 211, DC completed the chase in just 19 overs to stay alive in the playoff race, while Punjab Kings suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.

Punjab Kings posted 210/5 after being asked to bat first, courtesy of explosive knocks from Priyansh Arya and skipper Shreyas Iyer. Arya continued his impressive season with a blistering 56 off 33 balls, smashing six sixes and two boundaries at a strike rate of 169.69. Alongside Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 18 off 15, Arya helped PBKS reach 78 inside seven overs.

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After Arya departed at 97/2 in the ninth over, Shreyas Iyer took charge of the innings with a composed unbeaten 59 off 36 deliveries. Cooper Connolly also played a crucial hand with 38 runs from 27 balls as the duo stitched together a valuable stand that pushed Punjab towards a commanding total.

DC Chase Started Disastrously

Delhi Capitals’ chase got off to a disastrous start as they slipped to 33/4 inside nine overs. KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh and Tristan Stubbs all fell cheaply, leaving Punjab firmly in control of the match.

However, captain Axar Patel turned the game around with a sensational 56 off 30 deliveries. The left-hander smashed eight fours and two sixes while adding a crucial 64-run partnership with David Miller. Miller then carried the momentum forward with a powerful 51 off 28 balls, bringing DC back strongly into the contest.

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Even after Axar and Miller departed, Ashutosh Sharma’s quickfire 24 off 10 balls shifted the pressure back on Punjab. Madhav Tiwari then remained unbeaten on 18 off eight deliveries before Auqib Nabi smashed 10 runs off just two balls to finish the chase with six balls remaining.

For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh impressed with 2/21, but the rest of the bowling attack struggled badly under pressure as DC finished at 216/7.

PBKS Hangs In The Same Spot

The defeat leaves Punjab Kings at fourth place with 13 points from 11 matches. With games remaining against Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants, PBKS still remain strong contenders for a playoff spot, but another loss could significantly damage their chances given their poor recent form. They also are in a danger of losing the Top 2 spot as it might come down to the NRR.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals climbed to 10 points from 12 matches and would like to finish the league stage strong while having bleak playoff hopes still alive. DC now face crucial fixtures against Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, where victories in both matches could save their IPL 2026 campaign.