IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans Pip Delhi Capitals By One Run In Last-ball Thriller; KL Rahul's Heroics Go In Vain

New Delhi: In a thrilling IPL 2026 contest that went down to the very last ball, Gujarat Titans edged out Delhi Capitals by a mere one run at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Delhi won the toss and elected to bowl first. Batting first, Gujarat posted a total of 210 runs, powered by half-centuries from Gill, Sundar, and Buttler. In response, Delhi Capitals could only manage to score 209 runs. Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul brought the crowd on its feet with an explosive stint of 92 runs off 52 balls but his heroic effort went in vain.

How did the Delhi Capitals Innings Unfold?

Chasing a target of 211 runs, Delhi got off to a magnificent start. Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul provided an explosive opening. The duo shared a 76-run partnership before Nissanka's wicket fell in the 9th over. Nissanka contributed 41 runs to the total. However, KL Rahul remained undeterred; he continued to score runs at a blistering pace and smashed a blistering half-century.

Delhi suffered their second blow in the 10th over when Nitish Rana was dismissed. Immediately thereafter, Rashid dismissed Sameer Rizvi on the very next delivery. Sameer Rizvi failed to even open his account. Yet, KL Rahul continued his charge; he anchored the innings from one end and kept the scoreboard ticking rapidly. However, in the 17th over, Siraj claimed the crucial wicket of KL Rahul. Rahul scored 92 runs off his bat, an innings that featured 11 fours and 4 sixes.

How did Gujarat Titans Batters Perform?

Batting first, the Gujarat Titans did not get off to a good start. In just the third over, Mukesh Kumar claimed the wicket of Sai Sudharsan. Sai contributed 12 runs to the total. However, Jos Buttler then took charge and batted in an explosive manner. But in the 8th over, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Buttler. Buttler scored 52 runs off his bat—an impressive feat achieved in just 27 deliveries. However, Captain Gill then took charge of the innings and, in the 10th over, steered the team's score past the 100-run mark.

Gill played a knock of 70 runs. His innings featured 4 fours and 5 sixes. Meanwhile, Sundar also contributed a valuable innings of 55 runs. Powered by these efforts, Gujarat posted a total of 210 runs.

How Did Sameer Rizvi Perform?

The Delhi Capitals have delivered an almost flawless performance in their bowling department so far. The manner in which the team's young batsman, Sameer Rizvi, has shouldered responsibility in the opening matches has injected new strength into Delhi's batting lineup. Sameer has already smashed his third consecutive IPL half-century and is currently in magnificent form. Known for his aggressive batting against spinners, Sameer has now begun playing big shots against fast bowlers as well.

Did Gujarat Stage a Comeback?

On the other hand, the Gujarat Titans appear to be struggling in both their batting and bowling departments. The team's biggest concern remains its middle order. Against the Rajasthan Royals, they had a golden opportunity to chase down a target of 205 runs; however, despite a brilliant start by Sai Sudharsan, the team's middle order crumbled.

What were the Playing XIs?

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma.