Shreyas Iyer delivered the finishing touch as Punjab Kings scripted a landmark triumph, beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in an IPL 2026 encounter at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. Chasing 265, PBKS pulled off what is now the highest successful chase in IPL history, reaching the target with seven balls remaining. Prabhsimran Singh blazed a rapid 76 off 26 deliveries, while Priyansh Arya struck 43 off 17 as the chase gained instant momentum. Iyer then remained unbeaten on 71 off 36 to guide the visitors over the line.
The celebrations were immediate and unrestrained after Punjab etched their place in IPL records. Co-owner Preity Zinta made her way onto the field to congratulate the winning group, and the moment drew attention as she interacted with young opener Priyansh Arya. Zinta landed a playful punch on the youngster, who reacted in a visibly humorous way, prompting praise from former India opener Ravi Shastri during commentary, who remarked that it was “a good punch.”
Delhi’s big batting show
- Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a formidable total of 264 for 2.
- KL Rahul produced a stunning 152 not out off 67 balls, featuring 16 boundaries and nine sixes.
- Rahul’s 152* became the highest individual score by an Indian batter in IPL history.
- In the overall IPL record book, Rahul’s innings stands third, behind Chris Gayle’s 175 not out and Brendon McCullum’s 158.
- Nitish Rana supported with 91 off 44 deliveries, striking 11 fours and four sixes.
- Rahul and Rana combined to forge a 220-run partnership for the second wicket, coming in 95 balls.
Punjab’s chase and the record chase
- Despite Delhi appearing to control the game late in the first innings, Punjab Kings responded with a sharp counter-attack.
- Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya put together a 126-run stand in just 6.5 overs to set the foundation.
- Iyer then took advantage of the platform and steered PBKS through the chase to finish the job, remaining 71 not out.
- PBKS completed the historic chase of 265 with seven balls to spare, winning by six wickets.
- With the result, Punjab Kings remained unbeaten in IPL 2026.
