David Miller produced a late-hitting finish as Delhi Capitals edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a dramatic last-over thriller at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Chasing 176, DC crossed the line with one ball remaining, winning by six wickets after a tense run chase that swung on the final over.
Key takeaways
- Delhi Capitals successfully chased a 176-run target against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL Match 26.
- KL Rahul top-scored with 57 off 34 deliveries, while Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 60 off 47.
- DC were 18/3 during the powerplay after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s impactful spell.
- With 15 runs needed off the last over, Miller (22* off 10) struck two sixes and a four to seal the win.
- Stubbs praised Miller’s calm match-ending execution during the post-match presentation.
DC’s chase sets up a tense finish
Delhi began their pursuit with early trouble, slipping to 18/3 in the powerplay. The momentum shift came from a standout bowling display spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite that setback, the chase regained shape as KL Rahul struck a well-timed 57 off 34 balls, while Tristan Stubbs played a composed hand for 60 not out off 47.
As the innings progressed, the pair’s contributions steadied DC and kept them within reach of the target. However, the end came quickly—and not without pressure. With 15 runs required off the final over, the chase looked precarious for Delhi, setting the stage for a decisive sequence in the closing over.
Miller closes it out with a brutal last-over spell
Romario Shepherd was brought on for the last over, and Miller took charge immediately. The batter remained 22 not out off 10 balls as he cleared the boundary twice in sixes and added a four to bring the required runs within reach. In the end, DC completed the chase with one ball remaining, winning by six wickets.
Stubbs explains the plan and Miller’s role
Stubbs, named Player of the Match, highlighted how Miller’s finishing skills made the difference. He said he had confidence they would get the job done, even if he wasn’t sure exactly how it would unfold, adding that Miller’s ability is essentially what he is known for.
During the post-match presentation, Stubbs also described his own preparation and mindset. He said he was ready in the dressing room, focusing on watching the ball and executing from there. Speaking about the decision-making after DC reached 18/3, he explained that the early phase felt like a good time to settle, before he sensed he could take more initiative during the final portion of the powerplay. He pointed out that Rahul had faced much of the strike and helped DC build momentum through the middle overs, calling his batting “magnificent” as it kept the chase moving.
Stubbs further underlined that the team had spoken beforehand about batting in partnerships. With Rahul in form and moving well, he said the plan was to give him the strike and continue building on that momentum.
What Stubbs said about the pitch
On the playing surface, the 25-year-old batter noted that it wasn’t turning much, but it played slightly slow, similar to conditions he is used to back home. He admitted he kept thinking about hitting three sixes to get back into the contest, but praised the fact that once DC was in contention, the bowlers also managed to push RCB into using their resources early. Stubbs said he expected that even if it came down to the last over, DC could still get whatever was needed—but he didn’t want to force it until the final delivery. Ultimately, Delhi got over the line in time, thanks to Miller’s match-winning burst.
