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Delhi Capitals chased down a challenging target of 211 runs (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined by the BCCI for maintaining a slow over-rate during his team’s thrilling IPL 2026 win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. The penalty came despite DC registering a crucial victory that kept their playoff hopes alive.
Delhi Capitals chased down a challenging target of 211 runs at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, securing a three-wicket win against Punjab Kings. The result lifted DC to seventh place in the IPL 2026 standings with 10 points from 12 matches.
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The IPL confirmed that Axar Patel was penalised under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences.
“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 Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said in an official statement.
The fine came after Delhi Capitals failed to complete their overs within the stipulated time during Punjab Kings’ innings.
The victory was a major boost for Delhi Capitals, who now remain in contention for a playoff berth. Chasing 211, DC recovered from an early collapse after slipping to 33/3.
Middle-order contributions from David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari helped the visitors complete the chase with six balls remaining. The win also marked one of the highest successful run chases at the Dharamsala venue.
After the match, Axar Patel credited his bowlers and middle-order batters for turning the game around.
“Since last time I have been saying we are losing the crucial moments. We are a good team, playing good cricket but not winning those crucial moments,” Axar said. He also praised the bowling recovery after Punjab Kings made a flying start.
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“The first 3-4 overs we went for 60 runs and we pulled things back. In the middle overs the way Madhav and Mukesh bowled were the winning moments,” he added.
Despite the victory, Delhi Capitals still face a difficult road to the playoffs. The team must win its remaining matches convincingly and improve its net run-rate to strengthen qualification chances.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, remain under pressure after another defeat despite posting a strong total on the board.
