Rahul, Nissanka and Rana Lead Delhi Capitals to Thrilling Seven-Wicket Win Over Rajasthan Royals

Jaipur, May 2026 : A commanding batting display led by KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka and Nitish Rana powered the Delhi Capitals to a remarkable seven-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring Match 43 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 226 after Rajasthan Royals posted 225/6, Delhi Capitals produced one of their most clinical run chases of the season, finishing at 226/3 in 19.1 overs. The chase was set up brilliantly at the top, with Rahul and Nissanka laying a solid foundation before Rana’s aggressive stroke play ensured there were no late hiccups.

Delhi got off to a flying start despite Jofra Archer opening the bowling. Archer conceded 11 runs in his first over, allowing the Capitals to seize early momentum. The opening pair capitalized on the field restrictions, racing to 49 without loss in the first four overs—one of the best starts against Rajasthan this season. Unlike previous aggressive starts that cost them wickets, this time Delhi maintained control while keeping the scoreboard ticking rapidly.

Nissanka was particularly dominant in the Power-play, punishing anything short with authority. His stroke play was highlighted by powerful pulls and flicks, which exposed Rajasthan’s inconsistency in line and length. Delhi crossed the 70-run mark inside the Power-play, showcasing their intent in the chase.

At the other end, Rahul played the perfect anchor role before accelerating at the right moment. He targeted Ravi Bishnoi, Rajasthan’s key wicket-taking option, collecting runs at will and breaking any chance of pressure building. By the ninth over, Delhi had surged to 108/0, firmly in control of the chase.

Nissanka brought up a brisk half-century off just 26 balls but slowed slightly once the field spread. He eventually fell for 62, attempting an ambitious reverse sweep against Ravindra Jadeja, ending a crucial opening stand. However, by then, the Capitals had already done much of the hard work.

Rahul continued to anchor the innings, reaching his fifty in 27 balls. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries ensured the required run rate never spiraled out of control. Even as the asking rate hovered near two runs per ball at times, Delhi remained composed and calculated in their approach.

Rana, batting at number three, played a vital supporting role. After a cautious start, he shifted gears dramatically, taking on Jadeja with two towering sixes in an over. His quickfire 33 off 16 balls ensured that Rajasthan never regained momentum. With just 60 runs needed off the final 10 overs, the Capitals were always ahead in the contest.

Although Delhi lost a couple of well-set batters in quick succession, briefly leaving them with 49 runs required off 28 balls, there was no panic. Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma calmly guided the team home, sealing the win with ease.

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals had put up a formidable total, thanks to a captain’s knock from Riyan Parag, who scored a brilliant 90 off 50 balls. After an early setback at 12/2, Parag and Dhruv Jurel (42 off 30) rebuilt the innings, taking the team past 90 at the halfway stage.

Parag then accelerated, especially against Kyle Jamieson, but a timely intervention from Mitchell Starc, who dismissed both Parag and Jadeja in quick succession, slowed Rajasthan’s surge. A late blitz from Donovan Ferreira (47* off 14) pushed the total to 225/6.

However, Delhi’s composed and aggressive chase ultimately overshadowed Rajasthan’s efforts, sealing a memorable victory.

Score: Rajasthan Royals 225/6 (20 overs) — Riyan Parag 90, Donovan Ferreira 47*; Mitchell Starc 3/40
Delhi Capitals 226/3 (19.1 overs) — KL Rahul 75, Pathum Nissanka 62; Ravindra Jadeja 1/33

Delhi Capitals won by 7 wickets.