Delhi Capitals kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes flickering after beating Punjab Kings on Monday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The win, however, came with an administrative blow for skipper Axar Patel, who has been penalised by the BCCI for a slow over-rate offence during Match No.55 of the 19th edition of the T20 league.
Axar Patel punished for slow over-rate
Axar, the spin-bowling all-rounder, was found guilty of failing to maintain the required over pace in the match referenced as Match No.55 of IPL 2026. This was the first slow-over incident for Delhi Capitals in the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals specifically with minimum over-rate breaches.
- Offence: Slow over-rate (Match No.55, IPL 2026)
- Code: Article 2.22 (minimum over-rate offences)
- Penalty: Fine of INR 12 lakh imposed on Axar Patel
Slow over-rate concerns persist across IPL 2026
Delhi’s case is part of a wider trend in IPL 2026, where multiple matches have been affected by slow over rates. Several captains have faced criticism, and the delays during games have continued to be a talking point throughout the tournament.
- Shreyas Iyer has been fined for a slow over-rate at some stage of IPL 2026.
- Shubman Gill has also received a fine for maintaining a slow over rate during the season.
- Hardik Pandya has been fined as well for a slow over-rate offence at some point in IPL 2026.
Delhi Capitals chase 211 and win by three wickets
In the on-field contest against Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals produced a thrilling three-wicket victory after chasing a target of 211. Axar Patel led from the front with the bat, delivering his first meaningful contribution of the IPL 2026 season.
Axar’s half-century and Miller’s support
- Axar scored 56 runs off 30 balls for his first half-century of the IPL in 20 innings.
- His knock included eight boundaries and two sixes.
- David Miller provided key support with 51 runs from 28 balls.
Late finishing from Ashutosh and Madhav Tiwari
As the chase progressed, Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari struck crucial cameos to bring the target within reach. Ashutosh made 24 runs, while Madhav Tiwari finished unbeaten on 18 to seal the deal for Delhi.
The decisive moment arrived through Auqib Nabi Dar, who struck a six off Yash Thakur on the final delivery of the penultimate over, effectively swinging the momentum in Delhi’s favour.
Axar explains why he didn’t bowl and praised the partnership
After the win, Axar Patel credited Delhi’s overall balance and highlighted the batting connection between him and Miller as the turning point. He said that the partnership “settled things down,” and that the younger batters delivered strongly once the match was in the right direction.
Axar’s quote after the victory: “Then with the bat, the partnership between David Miller and me settled things down, and after that, the youngsters like Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav finished the game beautifully.”
Why Axar didn’t bowl a single over
During the match versus Punjab Kings, Axar did not bowl even one over, with the pacers handling all the deliveries. When asked about the decision, the Delhi captain pointed to the conditions on offer.
He explained: “The wicket was behaving differently today. After the first few overs, especially when Auqib Nabi bowled, I felt the ball was swinging and seaming as well. We probably didn’t hit the right areas in the first 3-4 overs, but once we realised there was assistance for the fast bowlers, I felt there wasn’t much need for spin. Even when I gave extra overs to Madhav and Auqib, something was happening with the ball. So I thought if the pacers are getting help, then I should continue using them instead of bringing myself on.”
Delhi still in the race, next clash vs Rajasthan Royals
Despite the slow-over-rate fine, Delhi Capitals remain in contention for the playoffs. The side still has a mathematical pathway to qualify, with the ability to reach a maximum of 14 points. Their next match is against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 17.
