IPL: KL Rahul, Axar Patel's knocks propel DC to 203/5 against KKR
Kolkata, May 24
Delhi Capitals have set a 204-run target for Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league-stage match of IPL 2026, being played at the Eden Gardens here on Sunday.
KL Rahul was the only player for DC to cross the 50-run mark, which helped DC post 203/5 on the board after the late efforts from David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma.
Asked to bat first in Kolkata, the DC openers added a quick 40 runs for the first wicket. Abishek Porel hit four boundaries before Saurabh Dubey dismissed him in the fifth over.
Sahil Parakh came after that and made 24 runs off 17 balls with the help of three fours and one six. Sunil Narine got him out when he tried to play a big shot and got caught by Ajinkya Rahane inside the 30-yard circle.
KL Rahul kept hitting big boundaries from the other end and made 60 runs off 30 balls with the help of four sixes and five fours. Anukul Roy dismissed him in the 13th over to take his first wicket of the match.
Skipper Axar Patel made a quick 39 off 25 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes to provide the backing in the middle overs. He added 41 runs for the fourth wicket with David Miller before losing his wicket to Varun Chakaravarthy.
Ashutosh Sharma came in the death overs and added 35 runs with Miller. The duo collected 12 runs from the 19th over and Miller hit a couple of sixes in the last over before losing his wicket. Miller made 29 off 18 balls. Ashutosh remained unbeaten on 18 as DC finished with 203/5 after 20 overs.
Kartik Tyagi leaked 55 runs in his four overs for KKR while remaining wicketless. Sunil Narine, Chakaravarthy and Roy took one wicket each, whereas Saurabh Dubey grabbed a couple of wickets.
Both sides are already out of the race for the playoffs, but a win at the Eden Gardens will help them finish better on the point tables.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally DC showing some fight! KL Rahul's six-hitting today was a treat to watch. Axar Patel also proving he's not just a bowler but a reliable all-rounder. 203 is a par score at Eden Gardens I feel, but Varun Chakaravarthy will be key for KKR. Let's see if the youngsters can finish the season on a high note.
Both teams out of playoffs but still putting on a show. That's the spirit of IPL! KL Rahul was brilliant, but I'm more impressed with Axar Patel's leadership. He's rotating the bowlers well and batting with intent. Kartik Tyagi leaking 55 runs in 4 overs is concerning for KKR though. They need to work on their bowling attack for next season.
DC fans must be happy to see KL Rahul in full flow. 4 sixes and 5 fours, that's the KL we all know! But honestly, where was this consistency earlier in the tournament? One good knock when playoffs are already gone doesn't change the season. Hope he carries this form into the next season or for Team India.
Nice to see David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma finishing well in the death overs. 35 runs partnership in quick time, that's exactly what DC lacked in the middle of the season. 203 is a good total but Eden Gardens is always a batting paradise. Should be a close finish between two teams who are just playing for pride now.
KL Rahul showing everyone why he's still one of the best openers
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