Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted history with a stunning nine-wicket win over Delhi Capitals, completing one of the most dominant chases in IPL history. Chasing a modest 76, RCB reached the target in just 6.3 overs, finishing the game with 81 balls to spare — now the second-highest margin in terms of balls remaining in a successful IPL chase.This also marked RCB’s biggest win ever in the IPL by this metric, while it simultaneously became DC’s heaviest defeat in terms of balls remaining. Only Mumbai Indians’ 87-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008 ranks higher on the all-time list.
Most balls remaining in a successful IPL chase
- 87 – MI vs KKR, Wankhede, 2008 (target: 68)
- 81 – RCB vs DC, Delhi, 2026 (target: 76)*
- 76 – KTK vs RR, Indore, 2021 (target: 98)
- 73 – KXIP vs DC, Mohali, 2017 (target: 68)
- 72 – SRH vs RCB, Braboune, 2022 (target: 69)
Pacers set up historic demolitionThe foundation for the record-breaking win was laid by a devastating new-ball spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. The duo tore through Delhi’s batting line-up inside the powerplay, reducing them to a shocking 8 for 6 in the first four overs.Bhuvneshwar struck as early as the second ball of the innings, bowling debutant Sahil Parakh for a duck. Hazlewood then removed KL Rahul and Sameer Rizvi off successive deliveries, while Bhuvneshwar returned to dismiss Tristan Stubbs and skipper Axar Patel.Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar (3/5) ensured DC never recovered, bundling them out for just 75 in 16.3 overs. Only Abishek Porel (30), David Miller (19) and Kyle Jamieson (12) offered some resistance in an otherwise one-sided contest.Kohli caps off clinical chaseIn reply, Virat Kohli ensured there were no hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 23 as RCB chased down the target with ease. Devdutt Padikkal contributed a fluent 34, while Kohli fittingly sealed the win with consecutive sixes, delighting the home crowd.Kohli also crossed the 9,000-run mark in IPL during his knock, adding another milestone to an already memorable outing for RCB.For DC, it was a collapse that will be hard to forget. “Even I don’t know what happened,” admitted Axar Patel after the match, summing up the shock in the home camp.
