Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru etched their name in IPL record books with a nine-wicket demolition of Delhi Capitals, completing a chase so dominant it ranks among the most lopsided successful run chases in the league’s history. Pursuing a modest 76, RCB got to the target in 6.3 overs, finishing the job with 81 balls left in hand—an outcome that stands as the second-largest “balls remaining” margin in a successful IPL chase, behind only Mumbai Indians’ famous 87-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008.
RCB’s record chase: 81 balls to spare
The win was historic in more than one way. RCB produced their biggest triumph in the IPL when measured by the number of balls remaining after a successful chase, while Delhi suffered their heaviest defeat on the same metric.
- Most balls remaining in a successful IPL chase: 87 — MI vs KKR, Wankhede, 2008 (target: 68)
- Second-most balls remaining: 81 — RCB vs DC, Delhi, 2026 (target: 76)*
- Next on the list: 76 — KTK vs RR, Indore, 2021 (target: 98)
- Also notable: 73 — KXIP vs DC, Mohali, 2017 (target: 68)
- Another example: 72 — SRH vs RCB, Braboune, 2022 (target: 69)
New-ball domination: Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood strike early
RCB’s chase was made possible by a ruthless start with the ball. A savage new-ball spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood shattered Delhi’s rhythm during the powerplay, leaving Capitals reeling at 8 for 6 after the first four overs.
- Bhuvneshwar struck early, removing debutant Sahil Parakh on the second ball of the innings for a duck.
- Hazlewood followed up by getting KL Rahul out and then removing Sameer Rizvi on successive deliveries.
- When Bhuvneshwar returned, he dismissed Tristan Stubbs and then the Capitals skipper Axar Patel.
- Hazlewood finished with figures of 4/12, while Bhuvneshwar returned 3/5.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, Delhi never managed to rebuild. Capitals were bowled out for 75 in 16.3 overs, and the contest never truly looked competitive. Only Abishek Porel (30), David Miller (19), and Kyle Jamieson (12) reached double figures as the rest of the batting order struggled to provide resistance.
Kohli steers RCB home as the chase stays smooth
In response, Virat Kohli ensured the chase remained under control from the outset. He finished unbeaten on 23 as RCB reached 76 with 6.3 overs remaining, wrapping up the match comfortably without drama.
- RCB completed the chase in 6.3 overs, finishing with 81 balls to spare.
- Devdutt Padikkal made 34 runs in the chase.
- Kohli closed the game with consecutive sixes, bringing the home crowd into celebration.
- Kohli also crossed the 9,000-run milestone in IPL during his innings.
Axar Patel reflects on the collapse
For Delhi, the defeat will linger. Axar Patel summed up the shock of the collapse with an honest admission after the match: “Even I don’t know what happened,” reflecting how completely the innings unraveled once the early wickets started to pile up.
