KL Rahul’s Fireworks, Kuldeep’s Double Blow Power DC To Commanding Win Over KKR

Delhi Capitals ended their IPL 2026 league-stage campaign on a strong note with a 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday. In a high-scoring contest, DC posted a commanding total and followed it up with a clinical bowling display to seal the win.

Batting first, DC got off to a steady start with their openers adding around 40 runs for the first wicket . Abishek Porel struck four boundaries before falling in the fifth over. Sahil Parakh then added momentum with a quick 24 off 17 balls, hitting three fours and a six before being dismissed by Sunil Narine.

The innings was anchored by a powerful knock from KL Rahul, who smashed a brilliant 60 off 30 balls , including four sixes and five boundaries. He kept the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace and provided DC with a strong platform in the middle overs.

Axar Patel supported well with a fluent 39 off 25 balls , striking three fours and two sixes. He also stitched a crucial 41-run partnership with David Miller , helping DC maintain momentum after KL Rahul’s dismissal.

Miller played a key finishing role, scoring 29 off 18 balls , while Ashutosh Sharma added valuable runs in the death overs. His unbeaten effort, along with Miller’s late boundaries, helped DC reach a strong total of 203/5 in 20 overs .

For KKR, Saurabh Dubey and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up key wickets, while Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy also struck once each. However, Kartik Tyagi had a tough outing, conceding heavily as DC’s batters dominated the attack.

Chasing 204, Kolkata Knight Riders began aggressively with Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane putting on 43 runs in 4.2 overs . Allen scored 20 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi.

Rahane then kept KKR in the hunt with a fluent innings, supported briefly by Manish Pandey, who made 25 off 16 balls. KKR reached 98/3 in the powerplay , appearing well placed in the chase.

The turning point came when Kuldeep Yadav struck a decisive double blow in the 14th over, dismissing Rahane for 63 off 39 balls and Rinku Singh for a golden duck, shifting momentum firmly in DC’s favour.

Soon after, Axar Patel and the DC bowling unit tightened the grip further, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Mitchell Starc also chipped in with key breakthroughs as KKR collapsed under pressure.

KKR were eventually bowled out for 163 in 18.4 overs , as DC sealed a convincing 40-run win , finishing their campaign on a confident and dominant note.