Kamal Ghorui
Axar Patel has been fined Rs 12 lakh after Delhi Capitals maintained a slow over rate during their thrilling IPL 2026 win against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.The IPL confirmed the penalty in an official statement, saying: “As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Axar Patel was fined INR 12 lakhs.”
Despite the fine, it was a memorable night for Delhi Capitals, who kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a dramatic three-wicket victory while chasing 211 runs.Punjab Kings posted a huge total of 210/5 after strong knocks from Priyansh Arya (56) and captain Shreyas Iyer, who remained unbeaten on 59. Cooper Connolly also chipped in with 38 runs.Delhi’s chase started badly as they slipped to 74/4 and looked in serious trouble. However, Axar Patel played a captain’s innings with 56 runs, while David Miller added a crucial 51 to bring Delhi back into the match.Youngsters Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari then calmly finished the chase as Delhi reached 216/7 in 19 overs.Madhav also impressed with the ball, taking two wickets, while Mitchell Starc picked up two wickets as well.The win lifted Delhi’s confidence ahead of their next game against Rajasthan Royals, although they still remain seventh on the points table.
