Xavier Bartlett endured a tough outing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 as Delhi Capitals broke through a major batting milestone at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. The right-arm seamer was hit for 69 runs in his four overs, ending with figures of 1/69, including the key wicket of Nitish Rana. His economy of 17.20 proved costly, and it was ultimately the main reason Delhi managed to reach 260+ for the first time in IPL history.
Key takeaways
- Bartlett conceded 69 runs in four overs and finished with figures of 1/69, including the wicket of Nitish Rana.
- Delhi Capitals crossed the 260-run mark for the first time in IPL history, helped by a top Delhi batting performance.
- Bartlett’s 1/69 became the worst bowling figures by a Punjab Kings bowler in IPL history.
- He bettered Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s previous PBKS low point of 0/66 from the 2019 IPL season against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Arshdeep Singh had earlier been third on the same unwanted list with 1/66 versus Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season at Mohali.
Delhi’s record-breaking chase begins with batting brilliance
Delhi Capitals, captained under the leadership of KL Rahul, set the tone from the start by choosing to bat first and putting pressure on Punjab Kings early. The innings was anchored by an unbeaten 152 from Rahul and a 91-run knock from Nitish Rana, as Delhi finished on 264/2—an outcome that would have been difficult to imagine without sustained momentum from both batters.
Early momentum and a costly moment
The start looked controlled, with Punjab striking early to remove Pathum Nissanka. However, a dropped chance involving Rahul by Shashank Singh shifted the balance. Once reprieved, Rahul moved through the innings with authority and went on to punish the Punjab bowling attack.
Centuries and explosive support
Rahul reached his century in 47 balls, marking his sixth IPL hundred. Rana complemented him with an aggressive 91, including a decisive 28-run burst in an over against Xavier Bartlett. The pair kept finding boundaries and rotating strike effectively, ensuring that Punjab’s attempts to slow them down did not stick for long.
Middle-overs dominance and a strong finish
As the innings progressed, Delhi continued to accelerate. They passed 200 in just 16 overs, even with bowling pressure applied by Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Yuzvendra Chahal. The Capitals still maintained their intensity through the middle phase, turning the game into a runaway contest for the chasing side.
Although Rana departed late, Delhi finished with purpose—adding nine runs in the final over to post a massive target. Punjab Kings struggled to contain the batters across the innings, with only Arshdeep Singh and Bartlett managing wickets in an otherwise one-sided batting display from Delhi.
