Delhi Capitals produced an impressive batting display, led by fine knocks from K.L. Rahul and skipper Axar Patel, to post a challenging 203 for five on its way to a 40-run consolation victory against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.
In reply, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane fought a lone battle with a composed 63, but lacked support from the other end as the home side folded for 163 in 18.4 overs.
Put in to bat after Rahane won the toss, Rahul smashed a scintillating 60 off 30 balls, while Axar (39) and David Miller (28) sustained the momentum to propel Delhi Capitals past the 200-run mark.
Although the match lost playoff significance early after Rajasthan Royals sealed the final knockout berth with a win over Mumbai Indians, the 33,000 spectators stayed back to enjoy an entertaining contest.
Rahul initially played second fiddle to Abishek Porel (22) before taking charge against KKR’s spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy with fluent strokeplay. After Sahil Parakh made 24, Rahul and Axar accelerated further, particularly in the 11th over from Kartik Tyagi that yielded 20 runs. Rahul’s innings featured five fours and four sixes before he departed in the 13th over.
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KKR’s chase faltered despite a decent start, with the absence of injured top-order batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi hurting the batting line-up. Rahane’s 63 off 39 balls, studded with four boundaries and four sixes, remained the lone significant contribution.
The decisive blow came in the 14th over when Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around the KKR middle order with his variations and accuracy. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismissed Rahane before removing Rinku Singh off the very next ball. Rinku’s wicket owed much to a superb catch by Tristan Stubbs at long-off.
Kuldeep nearly claimed his maiden IPL hat-trick when KKR wicket keeper Tejasvi Dahiya edged the hat-trick ball, only for Porel to spill the chance behind the stumps. Dahiya, however, failed to capitalise on the reprieve and was dismissed by Axar in the following over as KKR’s innings ended without further resistance in the next five overs. Kuldeep finished with impressive figures of 4-0-29-3.
Published on May 24, 2026
