NEW DELHI – In what will be remembered as one of the most clinical performances in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) humiliated the Delhi Capitals (DC) on their home turf at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Match 39 encounter on April 27, 2026, saw records tumble as RCB’s bowling attack, led by a relentless Josh Hazlewood, dismantled the Capitals for a meager 75 runs before chasing the target down in a mere 6.3 overs.
The victory not only secured two crucial points for the defending champions but also provided a massive boost to their Net Run Rate, moving them to 12 points from eight matches—just one point shy of league leaders Punjab Kings.
The Powerplay Carnage
Winning the toss and opting to bowl proved to be a masterstroke for RCB captain Rajat Patidar. What followed in the first six overs was a nightmare for the Delhi faithful. Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone by bowling Sahil Parakh for a duck on just the second ball of the match.
However, it was Josh Hazlewood who truly broke the back of the DC batting lineup. In a devastating opening spell, Hazlewood removed KL Rahul (1) and Sameer Rizvi (0) in successive deliveries. By the end of the powerplay, Delhi Capitals were reeling at a historic low of 13/6—the lowest Powerplay score in the history of the Indian Premier League.
The DC scorecard told a grim story, with stars like Nitish Rana (1) and captain Axar Patel (0) falling cheaply.
A Lone Resistance
Only a brief partnership between Impact Player Abishek Porel and David Miller prevented DC from the ignominy of breaking the record for the lowest-ever IPL total. Porel top-scored with a fighting 30 off 33 balls, while Miller added 19. Despite their efforts, the RCB spinners—Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya—maintained a stranglehold on the game.
Suyash Sharma was particularly impressive, conceding only 7 runs in his 4-over quota and picking up a wicket. The Delhi innings eventually folded for 75 in 16.3 overs.
Kohli’s Milestone and a Rapid Chase
The chase was less of a contest and more of a victory lap for the Bengaluru franchise. Openers Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell came out with aggressive intent. Bethell provided a spark with a quick-fire 20 off 11 balls, including a massive 104-meter six, before falling to Kyle Jamieson.
The highlight of the evening, however, was Virat Kohli reaching another summit. During his unbeaten knock, Kohli became the first batter in IPL history to surpass 9,000 career runs. He finished the game in style, smashing two consecutive sixes off T. Natarajan to remain unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls.
At the other end, Devdutt Padikkal played a whirlwind cameo, bludgeoning 34 off just 13 deliveries* at a strike rate of 261.54. RCB reached 77/1 with 81 balls to spare, completing one of the shortest matches in the tournament’s history.
Match Summary & Key Stats
| Category | Details |
| DC Score | 75 (16.3 Overs) |
| RCB Score | 77/1 (6.3 Overs) |
| Result | RCB won by 9 wickets (81 balls left) |
| Player of the Match | Josh Hazlewood (4/12) |
| Top Scorer (RCB) | Devdutt Padikkal (34*) |
| Top Scorer (DC) | Abishek Porel (30) |
For Delhi Capitals, the loss marks their third consecutive defeat, leaving them in seventh place and facing an uphill battle for the playoffs. Bengaluru, meanwhile, looks every bit the title favorite as they prepare to head to Ahmedabad to face the Gujarat Titans on April 30.
