IPL 2026: Mitchell Starc’s Late Burst Helps Delhi Capitals Pull Back Rajasthan Royals to 193/8

New Delhi, May 2026 : Mitchell Starc produced a sensational spell in the death overs as Delhi Capitals staged a remarkable comeback to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 193/8 in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

At one stage, Rajasthan looked set for a massive total well beyond 220 after commanding batting displays from skipper Riyan Parag and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. However, Starc’s brilliant four-wicket spell in the closing overs dramatically changed the course of the innings and revived Delhi’s hopes.

The Australian left-arm pacer endured a difficult start, conceding 28 runs in his first two overs. Rajasthan’s aggressive top order attacked him from the outset, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking full advantage of the field restrictions.

But Starc showed his experience and composure under pressure. Returning in the latter stages of the innings, he mixed slower balls with sharp changes of pace and angles to perfection. In his final two overs, he gave away only 12 runs while dismantling Rajasthan’s middle and lower order.

Rajasthan collapsed dramatically after appearing firmly in control. From a comfortable 160/2 in the 14th over, they lost six wickets for just 33 runs in the final six overs as Delhi clawed their way back into the contest.

The innings had begun explosively for Rajasthan. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again impressed with a fearless knock that entertained the packed crowd in Delhi. The youngster smashed 46 runs off only 21 deliveries, displaying tremendous confidence against both pace and spin.

He started aggressively by pulling Lungi Ngidi over deep square-leg for a six. At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal attacked Starc early, striking three boundaries in the opening over, including a stylish cover drive.

Although Jaiswal eventually departed after edging Ngidi to short third man, Sooryavanshi continued his assault. He punished Tripurana Vijay, who was making his IPL debut, with back-to-back boundaries and a towering six. Rajasthan raced ahead with aggressive intent during the power-play.

Delhi Capitals also suffered due to poor fielding. KL Rahul dropped an early chance offered by Dhruv Jurel, while Sameer Rizvi failed to hold on to a catch of Sooryavanshi near the boundary. Riyan Parag too received a lifeline when Tristan Stubbs appeared to take a catch near long-on, only for replays to show the ball touching the ground.

Parag made Delhi pay heavily for that missed opportunity.

Walking in after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, the Rajasthan captain launched a stunning counterattack. He needed little time to settle and immediately took on the Delhi bowlers with clean and powerful hitting. In his first 19 deliveries, Parag smashed five sixes and a boundary, shifting the momentum decisively in Rajasthan’s favour.

Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar bore the brunt of his aggression. Parag hammered Axar for consecutive sixes before tearing into Mukesh with brutal pulls and lofted drives over long-on and extra cover.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel quietly built momentum at the other end. He punished loose deliveries and ensured Rajasthan maintained a rapid scoring rate through the middle overs. Jurel and Parag stitched together an excellent partnership that seemed to have put Rajasthan firmly on course for a huge total.

Parag completed his half-century in just 23 balls and celebrated with an emotional embrace from Jurel. At that stage, Rajasthan looked unstoppable.

However, Delhi Capitals refused to surrender.

Mitchell Starc returned to deliver the decisive blow in the 15th over. Using slower deliveries intelligently, he deceived Parag, who mistimed a shot to long-on after scoring a blistering 51. Starc struck again immediately when Donovan Ferreira departed for a golden duck, caught attempting an ambitious shot.

The wickets triggered panic in the Rajasthan camp.

Debutant Ravi Singh was trapped lbw soon after, while Madhav Tiwari dismissed Shubham Dubey with another mistimed stroke. Starc continued his demolition by removing Dasun Shanaka with a slower delivery that induced a sliced catch to long-off.

Although Jurel battled hard and brought up his fourth fifty of the season, Rajasthan’s momentum had completely disappeared. Ngidi finally dismissed Jurel for 53 with another clever slower ball as Delhi completed a sensational turnaround in the final overs.

From a position of dominance, Rajasthan finished with a score that suddenly appeared below par considering their start.

For Delhi Capitals, Starc emerged as the undisputed hero with figures of 4/40, while Ngidi provided valuable support with 2/24.

Brief Scores

Rajasthan Royals 193/8 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 53, Riyan Parag 51; Mitchell Starc 4/40, Lungi Ngidi 2/24) against Delhi Capitals.