Rahul 152* breaks records, DC post 264
KL Rahul’s unbeaten 152 off 67 balls now stands as the third-highest score in IPL history, behind Chris Gayle’s 175* and Brendon McCullum’s 158. It is also the first 150-plus score by an Indian in the IPL.
Delhi Capitals finished on 264 for 2, a total that places them among the top six highest team scores in IPL history. Rahul also moved to the top of the Orange Cap list with 357 runs, overtaking Virat Kohli’s 328.
The innings came at a time when DC needed a statement, and Rahul delivered it without ever looking rushed.
Rahul brutal hitting leads DC charge
Rahul’s knock was built on clean striking and control. He hit 16 fours and 9 sixes, mostly straight or through the leg side, and rarely mistimed anything.
He reached his hundred in just 45 balls and kept the tempo high throughout. Even when Punjab Kings tried mixing pace and length, he adjusted instantly and kept finding boundaries.
The finishing phase was even more dominant, with Rahul accelerating past 150 without taking unnecessary risks.
Rana 91 helps build 220-run stand
Nitish Rana played a key support role with 91 off 44 balls, striking 11 fours and 4 sixes. Together with Rahul, he added 220 runs for the second wicket, the highest partnership for Delhi Capitals in IPL history.
Rana matched Rahul’s tempo through the middle overs, ensuring Punjab never got control back. Between overs 7 and 15, DC piled on runs at their fastest rate ever in this phase.
Shashank Singh’s dropped catch of Rahul on 12 proved decisive. Rahul added more than 140 runs after that moment, turning the game completely.
PBKS bowlers struggle as chase looms
Punjab Kings’ bowling attack had no answers. Xavier Bartlett went for 69 runs, Arshdeep Singh conceded 49, and Vijaykumar Vyshak gave away 48. Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal also leaked runs under sustained pressure.
Length deliveries were punished repeatedly, and even variations failed to slow DC down.
Punjab now face a steep chase of 265, needing one of their biggest batting performances to stay in the contest after being completely outplayed for 20 overs.