Delhi Capitals End Losing Streak with Record Chase; Stubbs Shines in IPL 2026

Key facts

• Delhi Capitals chased 226 against Rajasthan Royals, their biggest IPL chase, winning by seven wickets.
• KL Rahul scored 75 off 40 balls and Pathum Nissanka made 62 off 33, adding 110 for the first wicket.
• Riyan Parag returned to form with 90 off 50 balls, his first fifty-plus score this season.
• Donovan Ferreira smashed 47 not out off 14 balls for Rajasthan.
• Mitchell Starc took 3/40 for Delhi, including Parag's wicket.
• Tristan Stubbs remained 18 not out, averaging 50.25 in the campaign.
• Delhi ended a three-match losing streak with the win.

Record Chase in Jaipur Lifts Capitals

Delhi Capitals ended their three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Friday, achieving their highest-ever chase in the Indian Premier League. The visitors hunted down a target of 226 with five balls to spare, a feat that required a commanding opening partnership and composed finishing. The win was set up by an explosive 110-run stand between KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, who took the attack to Rajasthan's bowlers from the outset. Rahul's 75 off 40 balls and Nissanka's 62 off 33 left Delhi needing only 116 from the last 12 overs.

Parag's Return to Form Overshadowed

Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag, penalised earlier in the week for vaping during a match against Punjab Kings, responded with a 50-ball 90, his first fifty-plus score of the season. He anchored the innings after early wickets, adding 42 with Dhruv Jurel before falling to Mitchell Starc. Donovan Ferreira provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 47 off just 14 balls, propelling Rajasthan to 225/6 after they opted to bat. However, the total proved insufficient against Delhi's aggressive batting lineup.

Stubbs and Sharma Seal the Win

After Rahul's dismissal in the 16th over, caught off Jofra Archer for 75, Delhi needed 47 from 27 balls. Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma added an unbroken 48-run partnership, with Sharma smashing 25 not out off 12 balls, including a four off Archer and a six off Tushar Deshpande. Stubbs, who finished 18 not out, benefited from a misjudged catch by Ravi Bishnoi at square leg that went for four. The pair guided Delhi home with five balls to spare, underscoring Stubbs' growing reputation as a versatile T20 batter.

Stubbs' Campaign Averages 50.25

Tristan Stubbs is enjoying a brilliant IPL campaign, averaging 50.25 and demonstrating flexibility across batting positions. His ability to adapt has drawn praise from former players Shaun Pollock and Simon Doull, who discussed his development on Cricbuzz Live. Stubbs' composure under pressure was evident in the chase, as he rotated strike and found boundaries when needed. His unbeaten knock, though modest in runs, was crucial in steadying the innings after Rahul's departure.

Bowling Analysis: Starc Shines, Archer Leaks

Mitchell Starc was the pick of Delhi's bowlers, returning 3/40, including the key wicket of Parag. His experience proved vital in restricting Rajasthan's middle order. For Rajasthan, Jofra Archer bowled a mixed spell, taking Rahul's wicket but conceding nine runs in his final over. Tushar Deshpande also struggled, leaking 16 runs in the 18th over as Sharma and Stubbs accelerated. Brijesh Sharma's third over, which included two wides, cost 12 runs and added to Rajasthan's woes.

What the Win Means for Both Teams

The victory lifts Delhi Capitals out of a three-match slump and keeps their playoff hopes alive. Their record chase demonstrates the depth in their batting lineup, with contributions from multiple players. For Rajasthan Royals, the loss is a setback despite Parag's return to form. Their bowling attack, which had been effective earlier in the tournament, failed to defend a strong total. The team will need to address their death-bowling issues as the season progresses.

The bottom line

• Delhi Capitals achieved their highest IPL chase of 226, ending a three-match losing streak.
• Tristan Stubbs continues to impress with an average of 50.25, showing versatility across batting positions.
• Riyan Parag scored his first fifty of the season (90 off 50) but was overshadowed by Delhi's chase.
• KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka set the platform with a 110-run opening stand.
• Mitchell Starc's 3/40 was crucial in restricting Rajasthan after a strong start.
• Delhi's win underscores their batting depth, while Rajasthan must address death-bowling weaknesses.