The 62nd match of the IPL 2026 season witnessed a high-stakes, thrilling conflict on the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. Delhi Capitals (DC) received the toss and elected to discipline first towards the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR). Whereas the match was full of explosive batting performances, it was an unbelievable piece of fielding from DC captain Axar Patel that stole the highlight and fully shifted the momentum of the sport.
Axar Patel’s breathtaking dive sends Riyan Parag again throughout DC vs RR encounter
The defining second of the primary innings unfolded throughout the fifteenth over when Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Riyan Parag was firmly within the driving seat. Parag had been tearing the DC bowling assault aside, racing to a powerful 51 off simply 26 deliveries, punctuated by 3 fours and 5 towering sixes.
On the second ball of the 14.2 over, veteran Australian speedster Mitchell Starc bowled a intelligent off-cutter pitched up nicely outdoors the off stump. Parag tried to launch it over the straight boundary however mistimed the misleading slower ball. The ball hung excessive within the Delhi night time sky towards long-on.
Axar, stationed on the boundary, tracked the ball flawlessly. Charging ahead with absolute dedication, Axar executed a spectacular, full-length diving catch, completely getting each arms below the leather-based simply inches above the turf. The gorgeous dismissal broke a vital partnership and sparked a serious batting collapse for the Royals.
Right here’s the video:
From raining boundaries to a Starc Storm 🌪️🔥
🎥 Mitchell Starc fires again with 3⃣ wickets in an over 👏
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Additionally WATCH: David Miller grabs a stunning catch to dismiss Vaibhav Suryavanshi during DC vs RR encounter
RR put up a difficult whole towards DC
Regardless of Axar’s heroic fielding show, Rajasthan Royals managed to put up a extremely aggressive whole of 193/8 of their allotted 20 overs. The group acquired off to a flying begin, asserting dominance within the preliminary phases. Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early for 12, however younger prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi performed a sensational cameo, blasting 46 runs off a mere 21 balls at a strike fee of 219.04, that includes 5 fours and three sixes. He was finally caught by David Miller off the bowling of Madhav Tiwari.
Following Suryavanshi’s departure, Dhruv Jurel anchored the innings brilliantly. Jurel performed a calculated but aggressive knock, mentioning a well-deserved half-century with 53 runs off 40 balls. Nevertheless, Axar’s catch to dismiss Parag at 161/3 proved to be the final word turning level.
Following Parag’s exit, Starc triggered a large collapse, dismantling RR’s center order. Donovan Ferreira fell for a golden duck, caught by Axar off Starc, and Ravi Singh was trapped lbw simply two balls later for 4. The Royals choked within the demise overs, managing solely 27 runs for the lack of 3 wickets within the last 5 overs.
Starc was the choose of the bowlers for DC, recovering from an costly begin to end with spectacular figures of 4/40 in his 4 overs. Lungi Ngidi supplied glorious management with 2/24, whereas Madhav Tiwari chipped in with 2/27. Because of late boundaries from influence sub Dasun Shanaka (10), RR closed at 193/8, leaving DC with a steep goal of 194 runs to chase down on a dynamic Delhi observe.
Additionally READ: Here’s why RR star Ravindra Jadeja is not playing today’s match against DC in IPL 2026
