Delhi Capitals kept their composure in a high-scoring thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, defeating Rajasthan Royals by 5 wickets in Match 62 on May 17.
A collective batting effort spearheaded by half-centuries from Abishek Porel and KL Rahul laid the foundation for a steep 194-run chase. Despite a clinical four-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc earlier in the night, it was the calm head of captain Axar Patel and an explosive cameo from Ashutosh Sharma that guided DC home with 4 balls to spare.
Match Summary: RR vs DC, IPL 2026 Match 62
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| RR Score | 193/8 (20 overs) |
| DC Score | 197/5 (19.2 overs) |
| Match Result | DC won by 5 wickets (4 balls left) |
| Best Batting (DC) | KL Rahul – 56 off 42 balls |
| Best Bowling (DC) | Mitchell Starc – 4/40 in 4 overs |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
RR Innings: 193/8 in 20 Overs
Rajasthan Royals got off to a flying start, plundering 75 runs in the Powerplay. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a dynamic knock of 46 off 21 balls, while Riyan Parag injected tremendous urgency into the middle order, blasting a quickfire 51 off 26 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes).
Mitchell Starc proved to be DC’s savior, breaking the back of the RR lower-middle order with excellent figures of 4/40, including a double-wicket over that removed Parag and Ferreira. Dhruv Jurel held the tail together with a gritty 53 off 40 balls, ensuring the visitors posted a highly competitive 193. Madhav Tiwari also bowled exceptionally well, returning tight figures of 2/27.
RR Innings At A Glance
| Details | RR Innings |
|---|---|
| Total | 193/8 in 20 overs |
| Powerplay | 75/1 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Dhruv Jurel – 53 off 40 balls |
| Best Partnership | Sooryavanshi & Jurel – 70 runs |
| Best Bowling (DC) | Mitchell Starc – 4/40 (4 overs) |
DC Chase: 197/5 in 19.2 Overs
The Capitals launched a spectacular response, matching RR’s Powerplay intent with a 72-run opening stand. Abishek Porel was aggressively fluid, striking 51 off 31 balls, while KL Rahul anchored the pursuit beautifully with a steady 56 off 42 balls. The pair’s 105-run opening partnership completely blunted the Royals’ new-ball attack.
Rajasthan mounted a brief fightback via Jofra Archer (2/35) and Brijesh Sharma (2/44), picking up quick wickets to leave the game in the balance at 175/5. However, captain Axar Patel played a decisive unbeaten hand of 34 off 18 balls*. Joined by Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma, who smashed a brutal 18 off just 5 balls*, DC comfortably crossed the line in the final over.
DC Chase At A Glance
| Details | DC Chase |
|---|---|
| Target | 194 runs |
| Total | 197/5 in 19.2 overs |
| Powerplay | 72/0 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | KL Rahul – 56 off 42 balls |
| Best Bowling (RR) | Jofra Archer – 2/35 (4 overs) |
Key Highlights
- Porel & Rahul’s Base: The century opening stand came up in just 55 balls, taking the pressure off the lower-middle order and making the 194-run target look manageable.
- Starc’s Clutch Comeback: After an expensive start, Mitchell Starc’s four-wicket haul pulled back at least 15–20 runs from RR’s projected score at the death.
- Ashutosh’s Instant Impact: Coming on as the Impact Player late in the match, Ashutosh Sharma’s strike rate of 360.00 put a definitive end to any hopes of a final-over heist by the Royals.
Player of the Match
KL Rahul (DC)
Awarded for his anchoring masterclass of 56 off 42 balls. His mature innings allowed the stroke-makers around him to play freely, setting up the chase with total technical authority.
