IPL 2026 PBKS vs GT: In a breathtaking encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, PBKS etched their name into the record books by successfully chasing down a mammoth 265-run target set by DC in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Punjab’s six-wicket victory marked the highest successful run chase in the history of IPL, as they reached 265/4 in just 18.4 overs, producing one of the most explosive batting displays ever seen in the tournament.
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Punjab Kings celebrating their victory[/caption]
Punjab skipper Iyer anchors historic chase
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with an aggressive and composed 71* off 36 balls, laced with seven towering sixes and three boundaries. He ensured Punjab crossed the finish line despite the daunting target.
However, PBKS’ foundation was laid early by Prabhsimran Singh, who smashed a blistering 76 off just 26 deliveries, and Priyansh Arya, who produced a quickfire 43 off 17 balls. Their fearless approach powered Punjab past the 100-run mark inside the powerplay. Despite Delhi bowlers’ resistance, including wickets from Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, Punjab maintained the required run rate with remarkable ease.
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PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer[/caption]
IPL 2026 PBKS vs GT: Rahul's record knock goes down the drain
Earlier, KL Rahul from DC delivered a scintillating innings for the side, scoring 152* off 67 balls, logging the highest individual score by an Indian in the history of the tournament. His innings were beautified by 16 fours and nine sixes at a staggering strike rate of over 226. He was lent a supporting hand by Nitish Rana, who blasted 91 off 44 balls. The duo stitched together a colossal 220-run partnership for the second wicket, propelling Delhi to 264/2 in their allotted 20 overs. [caption id="attachment_3387" align="alignnone" width="1002"]
KL Rahul[/caption]
Missed chances prove to be costly for Delhi
Delhi’s hopes of defending the total suffered a major blow due to crucial lapses in fielding. Substitute fielder Karun Nair dropped Shreyas Iyer twice in consecutive overs, producing errors that proved costly in the final outcome. Although bowlers like Vipraj Nigam managed to bag breakthroughs, the relentless assault from Punjab’s batters left DC with little room to recover.
The match’s result not only handed PBKS a memorable win but also extended their winning streak in the current IPL season. Moreover, it underscored the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where even the most daunting targets are no longer safe.
Also read: Virat Kohli races to two milestones in clash against GT; rewrites IPL record books