Punjab Kings extended their scorching start to the season by registering a statement win over Delhi Capitals in New Delhi on Saturday, cruising to victory by six wickets while surpassing the franchise’s own lofty standards in a record-setting chase. The target of 265 looked formidable, yet PBKS chased it down in 19.5 overs, with skipper Shreyas Iyer staying unbeaten to finish the job and keep the team’s unbeaten run alive.
PBKS rewrite the record book in their chase
- Delhi Capitals posted 264/2 in 20 overs after being put in to bat, setting a demanding target of 265 for Punjab Kings.
- PBKS began the pursuit aggressively, with Prabhsimran Singh smashing 76 off 26 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes) and Priyansh Arya contributing 43 off 17 (2 fours, 5 sixes).
- The opening duo combined for a 126-run stand in only 6.5 overs, while PBKS also produced the season’s best powerplay output of 105/0.
- Momentum shifted briefly as the side slipped to three wickets in quick succession, threatening to derail the chase.
- Shreyas Iyer capitalised on the reprieves and steadied the innings, remaining unbeaten and guiding PBKS across the line with seven balls remaining.
- Iyer finished on 71 not out from 36 balls, striking 3 fours and 7 sixes as PBKS completed the chase at 265/4 in 19.5 overs.
PBKS have now collected six wins from seven matches this season, with their only blemish in the form of a rain washout in Kolkata. The win also means Punjab Kings keep their unbeaten run intact.
In the context of IPL history, Punjab Kings were already the holders of the record for the highest successful chase prior to this match, having chased down Kolkata Knight Riders’ 261/6 in the 2024 edition. This latest performance raised the bar further, standing as the top successful chase across all T20 cricket as well.
Delhi’s big total after KL Rahul’s milestone
- Earlier in the day, Delhi Capitals capitalised after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
- KL Rahul produced a career-best unbeaten 152, which was also the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
- Nitish Rana added a major contribution with 91 as Delhi Capitals reached 264/2 in their 20 overs.
- Rahul’s 152* also ranked as the third-highest individual score overall in IPL history.
Brief scores: Delhi Capitals 264/2 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 152*; Nitish Rana 91). PBKS 265/4 in 19.5 overs (Priyansh Arya 43, Prabhsimran Singh 76, Shreyas Iyer 71*). Punjab Kings won by six wickets.
