Axar Patel has been hit with a fine of Rs 12 lakh after Delhi Capitals were found guilty of a slow over rate during their hard-fought IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings at Dharamsala. The franchise confirmed the charge following the thriller, with the league outlining the penalty under its minimum over-rate rules.
At a glance
- Axar Patel fined Rs 12 lakh for Delhi Capitals’ slow over rate
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2026, Dharamsala
- Delhi won by 3 wickets while chasing 211
- Punjab Kings finished on 210/5
- Key Punjab knocks: Priyansh Arya 56 and Shreyas Iyer 59*; Cooper Connolly 38
- Delhi chase: Axar Patel 56, David Miller 51; Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari finished the job
- Delhi ended on 216/7 in 19 overs
- Madhav Tiwari took 2 wickets; Mitchell Starc also took 2 wickets
- Result keeps Delhi’s playoff hopes alive; they remain seventh in the points table
The IPL’s official communication stated that this was Axar Patel’s first breach of the season under Article 2.22 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to minimum over-rate requirements. On that basis, the league imposed the INR 12 lakhs sanction.
Even with the fine, Delhi Capitals delivered a night to remember. Chasing a target of 211, the visitors kept their slim playoff chances flickering and ultimately clinched victory by three wickets in a match that swung repeatedly.
Punjab Kings had laid the foundation for a big score, posting 210/5. Priyansh Arya provided a standout contribution of 56, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 59 to ensure the innings stayed on track. Cooper Connolly added 38 runs as Punjab built a total that looked challenging from the start of the chase.
Delhi’s chase turns around
Delhi’s pursuit began in a shaky fashion, with the side sliding to 74/4 and appearing to lose control. The contest then changed shape as Axar Patel stepped up with a 56-run knock that helped Delhi regain momentum, while David Miller provided the finishing thrust with a vital 51.
With the contest tightening, Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari took over and guided the chase over the line. Delhi reached 216/7 in 19 overs, completing the job with enough overs in hand to convert a difficult situation into a memorable win.
Impact with the ball
The celebrations were not limited to the batting. Madhav Tiwari made his mark with the ball, taking two wickets, while Mitchell Starc also claimed two scalps as Delhi defended the chase and ensured Punjab fell short.
The triumph boosted Delhi’s confidence ahead of their next outing against the Rajasthan Royals. However, despite the turnaround, the side still sits seventh in the points table, leaving their route to the playoffs firmly dependent on what follows.
