HIGHLIGHTS Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Match 35 - Result, Scorecard

We are all set for what feels like a thrilling run chase. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have walked out to open for Punjab Kings. Arya will be taking on Auqib Nabi, who is ready to bowl the first over of this chase. Auqib Nabi has come in as an impact substitute for Pathum Nissanka.

... The Run Chase ...

Bowling blues for Punjab Kings - There isn't much to write home about when it came to Punjab Kings/ bowling effort, as they looked largely clueless and far too inconsistent, conceding boundaries at will. The drop by Shashank Singh to dismiss KL Rahul proved to be a defining moment, but their ground fielding overall was well below par. Ricky Ponting will certainly not be pleased, especially given the high standards he demands. Arshdeep Singh struck early and Xavier Bartlett chipped in with one as well, but beyond that, they failed to seize key moments, with none of the bowlers managing an economy under 11, which is a worrying sign. Their unbeaten run is now under serious threat unless the batters can produce something extraordinary in what is shaping up to be a massive chase. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

The man of the moment speaks - KL Rahul (152* off 67 balls), wears the ORANGE CAP. On how's he feeling, KL Rahul says he is obviously very happy that they could get over 260, but shares that he has also taken a heavy beating because of the heat out there. Says he will have to hydrate himself and recover quickly. Hopes that he doesn't get cramps while keeping. On the partnership with Nitish Rana, he first calls the knock from Nitish phenomenal. Adds that the way he came in and played some proper cricket shots was just amazing to see. Details that they focused on playing proper cricketing shots which did put a lot of pressure on the opposition bowlers. He explains that when you are trying to hit big sixes or slog, the opposition gets a feeling that they are in with a chance. But adds that they chose to play with the merit of the ball and managed to maintain a strike rate of over 200. He adds that the wicket was on the slower side, but feels both of them were batting really well and simply kept going hard throughout. On his approach and shot selection, Rahul shares that it was only towards the backend that he was premeditating. Mentions that for the first 70 to 80 runs, he was not premeditating at all and was simply trying to hit boundaries and put the bowlers under pressure.

Capitals unleash absolute carange - Delhi Capitals did lose an early wicket, but it barely mattered given the kind of touch KL Rahul was in, and once he got that early reprieve, he shifted gears effortlessly and went on the offensive. Nitish Rana carried forward his form from the previous game, playing the perfect supporting role as DC reached 102/1 at the halfway mark, before exploding in the next five overs with 87 runs. They continued in the same vein thereafter, with the duo stitching together a massive 220-run stand, the highest for any wicket for Delhi Capitals, as Rahul brought up a stunning sixth IPL century, smashing 9 towering sixes and 16 fours in his unbeaten 152, while Rana fell just short of a hundred with a superb 91 off 44, a knock that more than did its job.

Rahul rewrites the record books - A blistering batting effort from Delhi Capitals, and even that barely does justice to what unfolded. They have powered their way to the highest first-innings total of the season, surpassing Punjab Kings' 254/7 against LSG, and doing it against Punjab themselves makes it even more remarkable. KL Rahul was in a league of his own, producing arguably his finest IPL innings, finishing unbeaten on 152 off just 67 deliveries. In the process, he joins an exclusive club alongside Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle as the only players to have crossed the 150 mark in the tournament.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Goes for the yorker, but slips in a low full toss. KL Rahul sits on his knee and uses his wrists to sweep it to deep square leg for a single. DC FINISH AT 264/2.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! 150 FOR KL RAHUL! Only the third player, after Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum, to reach this feat. And becomes the only Indian in this list to achieve this milestone. Whatever he has touched has turned into gold. And this is the best way to make the most out of getting a couple of lifelines as well. A statement knock from him. Short into the pitch with pace taken off completely, over off. KL Rahul climbs the imaginary ladder and ramps it over the keeper's head for a boundary. Under the scorching Delhi heat, he has produced one of the finest IPL knocks that will be talked for a long, long time.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Nails the yorker in, on middle, David takes it on the full before it dips below his bat and shovels it down to long on for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Bangs it slow and short, outside off. KL Rahul stands tall and controls the pull shot along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket. 258/2 reads the scorecard - This is now DC's highest-ever total in IPL history.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Tries the yorker, on middle, but it is the low full toss. Miller whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Hard length, outside off. KL Rahul waits on the slower ball and swats it down to long on for a single.

Who bowls the last over? It will be Arshdeep Singh.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, Back of a length, slow outside off. KL Rahul plays off the back foot and lofts it over cover-point for a run. This is now the highest team total in this year's IPL.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nails it this time! Wide and full, outside off. KL Rahul sits across by collapsing his back knee into the pitch, and sweeps it away to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, WIDE! Miles outside off, KL tries to sweep, but misses. 250 UP FOR DC!

Xavier Bartlett to David Miller, Pace-off delivery, short around off. David hops in the crease and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Finally, Punjab Kings hold onto one here. David Miller comes out to the middle now.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, OUT! TAKEN SHARPLY! Shreyas with a brilliant catch to halt this 220-run partnership for the second wicket. Xavier changes the angle and comes from around the wicket. Fires in a full toss around leg, but Rana backs away looking for room and tries to lift it over mid off. He does not get enough power behind the shot though and hits it flatly. Shreyas, stationed at mid off, moves to his right, leaps a bit and takes a fine catch with both hands. The Capitals are 248/2 in 18.3 overs.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! The ball is just finding the fence! Back-of-the-hand slower ball, pitched on a length, outside leg again. Rana has to wait for an eternity for the ball to arrive before he helps it over the keeper's head for a boundary to deep fine leg.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, SIX! LAUNCHED! Bartlett sees Nitish shuffling outside leg so he bashes the short ball outside leg, trying to cramp the left hander. But Rana gets the ball at a comfortable height, around the chest and nails the pull shot over deep square leg for a cracking six.

With Yuzvendra Chahal subbed out for Nehal Wadhera, there will be a change from the other end. Xavier Bartlett to bowl the penultimate over. He has gone for 52 runs in his first three.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, FOUR! Into the gap! On top of the middle pole, short in length. KL Rahul stands tall in the crease, just opens up his body before unleashing a controlled pull shot between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. He moves to 140 from just 61 balls.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, From around the stump, this is full and across the left-hander. Nitish Rana looks to heave it to the leg side, but inside edges it through square leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Swing and a miss! Fuller and around off, angling away, Nitish Rana looks to slog it across the line but misses.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Short of a length and on off, takes pace off, KL Rahul looks to pull it away but misses. The ball pops up off his right shoulder onto his helmet and rolls towards point. They cross. The physio comes in for the concussion check, but Rahul just gives him a hug and indicates he is fine.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Back of a length, on off. KL backs away and slaps it straight to cover.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, SIX! PUNISHED! Full around off, a slower ball, but right in the slot. Rahul clears his front leg, gets under it and smokes it over the long on fence for a six. This brings up the 200-run partnership between KL and Rana. Also, Rahul moves to 135 and this is now his highest score in IPL.

Yuzvendra Chahal is substituted by Nehal Wadhera

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, SIX! Nearly a wicket for Chahal! Stoinis with a fine catch attempt in the deep, but it goes in vain. It is the full toss, on leg. Nitish Rana sits down and plays a tired-looking slog sweep in the air to the right of deep square leg. Marcus Stoinis charges across and dives to gather the ball. He maintains possession of the ball despite his elbows hitting the ground hard. However, there is an umpire's review for the legality of the catch. Rana is asked to stop by the fourth umpire near the ropes. The TV umpire checks a couple of angles to see whether any part of Stoinis' body is in contact with the boundary ropes. It is deemed that his fingers are under the ball but his right leg is touching the boundary cushion while holding the ball in his hand. The zoomed angle shows that it moved a bit as well. So it is called a six and Rana makes his way back to the crease.

The on-field umpires are having a look at the catch, and Nitish Rana has been asked to wait. Rana has been called back as the replays confirm Marcus Stoinis' back foot touching the toblerone. Clearly, luck is on the side of Delhi in this game.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Very slow and short, outside off. KL Rahul stands tall and knifes it to deep extra cover for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Slips in a full toss at thigh-height. Nitish Rana shimmies down the track but mistimes the lofted shot on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for only a single. Rana will feel that he missed out on this one.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Overpitched at 92.9 kph, KL Rahul cannot quite get underneath it but manages to drill it down to long on for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, WIDE! Tries to keep it away from the arc, but drifts it beyond the guideline and KL leaves.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Into the blockhole, on leg, Rana flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, WIDE! Far, far outside the tramline. Left alone watchfully by Nitish.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, A dipping full ball, on middle. KL Rahul tries the reverse sweep, but toe ends it to the cover region and rushes off for a single. The fielder is quick to pick and get rid of the ball and scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end, but KL Rahul skates through to get home just in the nick of time.

Strategic Break! Delhi Capitals have put themselves in such a position that if they don't get anything around 250, they will be disappointed. KL Rahul has been batting like a dream, already notching up a hundred, while Nitish Rana is not far behind. Punjab Kings have looked out of ideas and they will need to pull up their socks to execute their plan in the death overs, or their unbeaten run will be in serious trouble. Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl after the break.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, Once again, a full toss from Vyshak, around middle and leg, clocked at 137 kph. Rahul flicks it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, FOUR! Straight as a gun-barrel! A hat-trick of full toss from Vyshak, on middle and off. KL Rahul gets under it and thumps it down the ground for a one-bounce boundary.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, SIX! The wheels are well and truly coming off! Another loosener from Vyshak, full toss, outside off. KL Rahul needs no second invitation on it and slams it straight down the ground for a huge six.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, SIX! Wow, he is playing all around the dial now! A full toss wide outside off. KL Rahul gets across, plants his back knee into the pitch, and unleashes the slog sweep behind deep backward square leg for half a dozen runs. 200 UP FOR THE CAPITALS!

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, WIDE! Rolls his fingers on the leather and bangs it short, but it goes over the head of the batter. KL arches back and drops his wrists to leave.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, SIX! He is unstoppable today! Into the slot, a real hit-me ball, full and around off and slow as well. KL Rahul waits on it, and tonks it over wide deep mid-wicket for a cracking six.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, Pace off and into the surface, outside off. KL Rahul opts to leave.

Last 5 overs coming up. DC are already at an arm's distance from 200. Vijaykumar Vyshak (2-0-24-0) is back on, replacing Arshdeep Singh.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Slower one, full and on off, KL Rahul pushes it through covers for one more.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, FOUR! HUNDRED FOR KL RAHUL! A magnificent knock from him and he brings up his 6th IPL century in just 47 balls. Marco Jansen bowls this in the blockhole, around off. Rahul stays deep inside the crease and smacks it down the round, beating long off to his right for a boundary.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Slower one, full and around off, KL Rahul opens the bat face but loses his bottom hand. He slices it over point and calls for the second run and makes it comfortably. He moves to 98 now.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, FOUR! Excellent shot! Back of a length and just outside off. KL Rahul gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for four runs.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Nails the yorker, on middle and off, tailing in, Nitish Rana swings at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross. That brings up the 150-RUN STAND between these two batters.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, FOUR! There is no respite for PBKS! A slower one, full and on middle. Nitish Rana reads it early, waits for it and smashes it down the ground to the long on fence for a boundary.

59 runs in the last 3 overs for the Capitals. This is absolute mayhem. And that's what dropped catches can cost you. KL Rahul has been put down twice so far and is inching closer to his century. The other night, it was Kohli who was put down by GT and went on to produce a chasing masterclass. Marco Jansen is back on.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! Finishes the over just like he started it! Arshdeep Singh bowls a good wide yorker, outside off, nothing wrong with the delivery. KL Rahul shows his class, opening the bat face and squeezing it out through point for four more runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Another full toss, outside off, Nitish Rana walks across, gets low and swipes it to deep mid-wicket for one. Rahul wants the second but is sent back.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Low full toss, on middle, KL Rahul forces it down to long on for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Short of a length and just around off. KL Rahul waits for it on the back foot and flat-bats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, SIX! Up, up and away! Fuller again, but not wide enough outside off. KL Rahul manages to get underneath the ball and launches it high and handsomely over the long off fence for a biggie.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, FOUR! The runs just keep flowing! Fuller in length and in line with the stumps. KL Rahul holds the bat like a frying pan and goes for the reverse scoop. Gets a top edge, but it flies well over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Shreyas calls the crisis manager back into the attack. Arshdeep Singh (2-0-20-1) replaces Xavier Bartlett. Can Singh produce a breakthrough for the Kings?

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, Much fuller and on off, KL Rahul drills it to sweeper cover for one.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, Short of a length and outside off, takes pace off again. KL Rahul leaves it alone, thinking it is a wide, but gets nothing from the umpire.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, Swing and a miss! Pace off, full and around off, KL Rahul moves across and has a wild swing across the line but loses his shape and misses.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, WIDE! Tries the wide yorker but bowls it over the tramline, KL Rahul lets it go. Wided.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, SIX! 150 UP FOR THE CAPITALS! Fuller delivery and well outside off. KL Rahul accepts the width on offer, extends his arms and powers it over the deep point fence for half a dozen more. They have raced from 100 to 150 in a flash, literally. They have really put their foot down now.

Marcus Stoinis to Nitish Rana, Tighter line, on middle, on a length, Rana pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, Takes all the pace off and bowls a bouncer, outside off. It doesn't rise much and KL Rahul has enough time to pull it to deep mid-wicket's right for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to KL Rahul, WIDE! Pushed miles outside off, beyond the tramline. KL Rahul ignores it. Wide called.

Marcus Stoinis is summoned into the attack as PBKS hunt for a breakthrough. He replaces Yuzvendra Chahal.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, SIX! Even better and bigger this time! Xavier Bartlett keeps the line and length similar, takes pace off. Nitish Rana gets his hands through the shot and carves it over extra covers as the ball sails over the ropes for a biggie. Bartlett has been taken to the cleaners as 28 runs come off the over. His bowling figures read a sorry-looking 3-0-52-0.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! This is just sublime batting! Much fuller and outside off again. Nitish Rana gets the chance to free his arms and crashes it over extra covers for four more runs.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Streaky but they call count! Short of a length and just outside off, Nitish Rana looks to pull it away but gets a top edge. Yuzvendra Chahal has been moved to short third and the ball goes over his head for the third boundary of the over.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! No chance for the fielder this time! Slower one, full again and on middle. Nitish Rana repeats the dose. He gets down and across and plays the scoop well wide of Chahal for another boundary. That's FIFTY FOR NITISH RANA! Back-to-back half centuries for him. The local boy raises his bat and acknowledges the crowd. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between Nitish and KL Rahul.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Clever batting but fielding can be questioned again! Fuller one and on middle and leg. Nitish Rana gets across early and scoops it wide of short fine. Yuzvendra Chahal moves to his left and tries to push the ball back, but the ball deflects off his fingertips and races to the fence for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, SIX! Gets hold of that one! Short of a length and around off, Nitish Rana has a big heave across the line. He does not get it from the middle of the bat but gets enough to clear deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Change? Yes. Xavier Bartlett (2-0-24-0) returns into the attack, replacing Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Another dot to end the over! Tossed up, full and around off, turns away again, KL Rahul leaves it alone but this is inside the tramline.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Slower through the air, shortish and around off, turns away, KL Rahul tries to cut it away but misses.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, FOUR! Two in a row! Quicker one, full and on middle. KL Rahul gives the charge again and blasts it down the pitch. Much straighter this time, back past the bowler and bisecting long on and long off with perfection for another boundary.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and around off, KL Rahul skips down the track to get to the pitch of it. He thumps powerfully and well wide of long off for a one-bounce four. Almost went all the way.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Gets away with it, does Chahal! Fires this one right in the blockhole, on off, Nitish Rana drills it down the pitch. Chahal puts in a dive to his right to make a half-stop, and the ball rolls to the left of mid on. They cross.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Flatter, full and on middle, KL Rahul fails to get underneath it and bunts it out to long on for a run. Uh..oh! Chahal has committed the cardinal sin of overstepping. It is called a No Ball. Free Hit up next..

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Floated, full and on middle and leg, Nitish Rana drills it to long on for a single.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, FOUR! That's a glorious hit! Straighter line, full on middle. KL Rahul plays with a straight bat and hits it off the middle. Lofts it comfortably over the bowler's head for a boundary straight down the ground. At halfway, 100 COMES UP FOR THE CAPITALS!

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, Outside off, on a length with pace taken off again. Rana unleashes a tennis-like forehand shot, hitting it to cover and picks up a single as the fielder fumbles a bit.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, Slow and short again, outside off. Rana stands tall and scythes it straight to short cover.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, Slower short ball, on off. KL Rahul pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, CHANCE, PUT DOWN! By Vyshak off his own bowling. KL gets yet another lifeline, but this was a tough chance though. Pace off, on a length and in the channel outside off. KL Rahul opens his shoulders early and muscles it straight back off the inner half of the bat. It goes flat to the left of the bowler, but Vyshak, in his follow-through, cannot hold on to it and the ball deflects off his left shin before rolling to the mid-wicket region.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, FIFTY FOR KL RAHUL! A quality knock from him and this is his 43rd IPL fifty. The third this season as well. He has made batting under scorching heat look so easy. On a good length, angled at the pads. KL Rahul nudges it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs to get to his milestone.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Drifts it on a length, 92.1 kph, on leg. KL Rahul heaves it off the inner half to the right of deep mid-wicket for an easy single. Moves to 49 (25), does KL Rahul.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Rana steps out of the crease and clips this full ball to backward square leg for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Full again, stump-to-stump, Rahul brings out the broom again and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for another run.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, In front of the middle stump, Nitish sits down on his knee and sweeps the full ball to deep square leg for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Nicely floated, full and outside off. Nitish leans with a big stride forward and drives it through extra cover gap. Xavier Bartlett from long off runs to his right and slides to make the stop. Saves two for his team.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, At 87 kph, fractionally full, on leg. KL Rahul backs away and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for one more.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, Full toss on pads, nicely flicked to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, Attempted yorker, on middle. Rana drives it straight down the ground. Bartlett sticks out his right hand on the follow-through and takes the sting out of it, parrying the ball to the mid on region for only a run.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, A bouncer but holds slightly on off. KL Rahul miscues the pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, Back of a length on the stumps. Rana stands tall and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Misfield once again! Full and wide, outside off. Nitish Rana stays rooted in the crease and throws his bat at it, slicing it to the backward point region. The sub fielder, Suryansh Shedge, dives but fails to collect it cleanly. The ball brushes off his fingers and it races to the fence behind. The misfields are plaguing the PBKS camp.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, Pace off ball, on a length, on leg. Rahul hangs back and tucks it into the mid-wicket region for a single.

Strategic Break! Despite losing a wicket, the Delhi Capitals are off to a fine start here. KL Rahul is leading the charge, and every run he scores will hurt Shashank Singh ​​​​​​even more after he dropped a sitter. Nitish Rana has also played a good supporting role, and these two are looking like the real deal so far. Punjab Kings have been sloppy in the field and the bowlers are finding it difficult to be consistent in this scorching Delhi heat. They will hope the pitch slows a bit and they can pull things back in the middle overs. Also, Xavier Bartlett to bowl after the break.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, In front of the stumps, full in length. Nitish gets the front foot across and gently taps it to short mid-wicket. So 10 runs from Chahal's first.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Drags the length, pitching it outside leg. KL Rahul goes back and drills it to long on for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between KL and Rana.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, Flat and full, on middle and leg. This is flicked to deep square leg's right for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, Slides one on a length, on leg. KL Rahul whips it to the right of long on for a run.

Yuzvendra Chahal to KL Rahul, SIX! Stand and deliver! Pitched fuller, on off. KL Rahul gets on the front foot with a decent stride out, gets the bat underneath the ball and smokes it over the long on fence for a six.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Nitish Rana, A low full toss, around off. Rana walks a step forward and whips it to long on for a single.

Time for some spin as Yuzvendra Chahal has been introduced into the attack right after the Powerplay.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Takes some pace off now, on leg, on a length. KL Rahul clears the front leg away and looks to flat bat down the ground, but plays off the inner half and it rolls back to Jansen. Delhi Capitals end their Powerplay at 68/1.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, FOUR! Mistimed but safe to the fence! Hard length from Marco, on top of middle. KL Rahul moves leg side and pulls it off the top edge, but clears the inner ring and the ball races away to the fence.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, The dipping low full toss, on off. Nitish clips it to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Back of a length, on leg, KL Rahul dinks it to the backward square leg region and takes a run.

Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, BEAUTY! The length ball that kicks up a bit, on middle and angling to off. KL Rahul is put off by the extra bounce and is beaten on the outside edge, trying to steer it to the off side.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Tails in from off, full in length. Rana flicks it to wide mid on for a quick run.

A massive over for the Capitals. They are motoring away really nicely here. Shashank Singh is going off the field now. Marco Jansen to bowl the last Powerplay over. 1-0-10-0 so far.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, SIX! Superb finish to the over! Vijaykumar Vyshak bowls a juicy full toss, down the leg side. KL Rahul makes the most of it and helps it over the fine leg fence for a biggie. 16 runs off Vyshak's first over.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, Overpitched and on off, Nitish Rana drills it to sweeper cover for one.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, FOUR MORE! Another misfield! Vijaykumar Vyshak sticks to the fuller length, just outside off. Nitish Rana gets his hands through the shot and blazes it through cover-point. Shashank Singh in the deep runs to his right but lets it under him for another boundary.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Gets it through this time! Pitched up and just around off. Nitish Rana shows nice wrist work to play the drive and creams it through the gap for a boundary. 50 UP FOR DC.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on off, Nitish Rana drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to KL Rahul, Full toss, on middle, KL Rahul drives it to long on for a single.

Will Arshdeep get three overs in a row? Nope, he won't. Here's Vijaykumar Vyshak into the attack.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Good length and around off, takes pace off, Nitish Rana steers it to short third.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Much fuller and on off, Nitish Rana bunts it out to mid off.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Hard length and around off, Nitish Rana punches it through covers for a brace.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Sloppy again in the field! Short of a length and just outside off, Nitish Rana cuts it away wide of deep backward point. Priyansh Arya runs to his right with the ball curving away. He gets behind the ball but only manages to parry it to the fence for a boundary.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, FOUR! Put away! A full toss, angling into the pads, Nitish Rana just has to get some bat on it and he glances it wide of short fine for a boundary.

Marco Jansen to Nitish Rana, Pace off, fuller and on middle, Nitish Rana tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Marco Jansen is introduced into the attack, replacing Xavier Bartlett.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, SIX! BANG! KL Rahul goes big now. Bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Rahul picks up the length early, pounces on it and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Arshdeep Singh to Nitish Rana, Fuller and on leg, Nitish Rana tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Arshdeep gets to celebrate eventually as he breaks the opening stand. Nitish Rana walks in at number 3.

Arshdeep Singh to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Arshdeep Singh gets his wicket this time. He hits the deck hard, on middle and off, skids through a bit. Pathum Nissanka stays back and looks to pull it away but the ball is not that short or probably doesn't rise much as Pathum expected it to. It takes the top edge and goes straight up in the air, behind the stumps, where Prabhsimran Singh, the keeper, calls for it. He runs a bit forward and takes a dolly. The Capitals are 28/1 after 2.4 overs.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, On a length and on midlde, KL Rahul clips it through square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, DROPPED AND FOUR! Would you believe it? Shashank Singh has dropped yet another catch this season. Back of a length and around middle, KL Rahul pulls it but does not get the elevation. It flies straight to deep square leg, where Shashank Singh crouches low and tries to reverse cup it near his chest but spills it and the ball goes over the fence for a boundary. Arsdheep started celebrating too early and is not happy at all with that effort. The replay tells the full story. Shashank turns his head a bit to the right, possibly put off by the sun despite having the glasses on, and takes his eyes off the ball at the crucial moment. As a result, it bursts through his fingers, deflects off his left shoulder to the ground, and trips over the ropes.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Hard length and on off, nips back in a bit, KL Rahul gets cramped up for room and stabs it back to the bowler.

Xavier Bartlett to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! 15 runs off the over! Short of a length and on middle, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Pathum Nissanka gets on top of it and heaves it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, KL Rahul pats it towards mid on for a quick one.

Xavier Bartlett to Pathum Nissanka, Pitched up and on middle and off, Pathum Nissanka knocks it towards mid off for a run.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, Slower one, on a length and on off, KL Rahul pats it in front of short cover for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, FOUR! Up and over! Fuller again, much closer to the stumps this time. KL Rahul takes a couple of steps out. He brings his wrists into play and whips it over the mid on fielder for another boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to KL Rahul, FOUR! Gets greeted with a boundary! Xavier Bartlett begins with a full delivery, outside off, shaping further away. KL Rahul throws his hands at it, gets it from the outer half of the bat but through the vacant point region for four runs.

Decent first over for both teams. Arshdeep got just a bit of swing, but nothing extravagant. It looks on the slower side and DC will aim to make the most out of the restrictions. Xavier Bartlett will operate from the opposite end.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, On a length and around off, KL Rahul opens the face of his bat and steers it to the right of short third for one. 8 runs off the first over!

Arshdeep Singh to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a length and on off, Pathum Nissanka stays back and punches it through cover-point for another run.

Arshdeep Singh to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Nicely done! Back of a length but down the leg side, there to be hit. Pathum Nissanka does not miss out and helps it to the vacant deep fine leg fence for the first boundary of the game.

Arshdeep Singh to KL Rahul, Right in the blockhole, on off, shapes in a bit, KL Rahul digs it out to the off side for a run.

Arshdeep Singh to Pathum Nissanka, DC are underway! A full toss, on middle, swinging into the pads, Pathum Nissanka clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Pathum Nissanka, BEATEN! Arshdeep Singh starts with a good-length delivery around off, hits the deck and holds its line. Pathum Nissanka has a slash at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

All set to get going in Delhi. Just some relief from the scorching heat for the players and fans as a few clouds are hovering overhead. The two umpires walk out now. Shreyas Iyer leads his men out to the middle as the players of Punjab Kings take their fielding spots. KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka are the two DC openers. Arshdeep Singh will open the attack from PBKS. The countdown is done. Arshdeep vs Nissanka is the first battle coming up, with a slip in place. Here we go!

Impact Players for PBKS - Nehal Wadhera, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar, Yash Thakur.

Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Players for DC - Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair.

Delhi Capitals (Unchanged Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

The skipper of Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer says that he feels that it's important to stay in the moment. Adds that you can get complacent, but they have had a couple of good sessions in scorching heat but no one complained. Iyer mentions that it is important to keep working hard. He keeps telling his players to apply the right habits and they are building a good culture in the team and touchwood it's going great. Also says they need to have fun along the way as well. Shreyas shares that he had a chat with Axar before the toss and wanted to bowl anyway, so the toss was inconsequential. Informs they are going with the same team.

The captain of Delhi Capitals - Axar Patel observes that the surface looks pretty dry and it is pretty hot as well. Adds that they will look to put a big total on the board and give their bowlers the chance to defend it. On being asked whether the surface will slow down as the game progresses, Axar agrees to that and hopes that the bowlers will look to use what's on offer. On the importance of winning from here, Axar says they have been playing good cricket but admits that they aren't winning crucial moments and also accepts that they have made silly mistakes which they will look to stop. Informs that they are going unchanged.

TOSS - It's time for the coin-flip in the Capital City. Both the captains Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer are out in the middle now. Axar gives it flick and Iyer calls it incorrectly. Delhi Capitals elect to BAT first.

Time to hear from the DC camp - David Miller admits that it's been an up and down kind of a season, highlighting that they started well and lost two or three games after that. Stresses on starting this game well and get back on winning track and also mentions that their next three games are huge as they will be playing against teams above them in the points table. On how he deals with those ups and downs, Miller accepts that it is never easy but says that in this game you fail a lot than you succeed. Says when you don't do well, it is important to go back to doing what you know best. Stresses the importance of training really hard before the games and put the best foot forward. Adds that he is doing well and enjoying his time with DC. On matchups, Miller says, looking at matchups is really key in this format. Adds that they play against all the different players around the world so often nowadays, so in terms of analysis, there might be a few new cues to look at. But for him, he says, it is more the mystery spinners where a little bit more analysis is needed, as most bowlers can have a similar action. He ends by saying that it is just really making sure you know what you are up against.

A quick chat - PBKS' Cooper Connolly says that it has been a great experience for him so far and they have a world-class team. Says he has learnt a lot from the likes of Shreyas and Stoinis, and has also spent time out there with the openers, watching them go about their business. Adds that their aim is to put pressure on the bowlers in the Powerplay. Connolly mentions that touring with Australia A last year helped him adjust to the Indian conditions and handle the skiddiness of the surfaces here. Says that it wasn't planned to take time in the last game, but the way Priyansh Arya was playing, he had the time to relax a bit and then took on his match-ups which worked. Cooper shares that the team talk has been very positive. They have had a good start to the tournament and will like to continue the momentum. Ends by saying that the key is to stick to the basics and take one game at a time.

Fine margins - There's little to separate these two sides historically, with the head-to-head locked at 17-17. The Arun Jaitley Stadium has been a high-scoring venue, with the average first innings score (last 10 IPL games) of 200, so runs should be on the cards. With Punjab carrying momentum and Delhi playing catch-up, this could come down to who handles the key moments better. Toss and team news in a bit.

Delhi's mixed bag - Delhi Capitals have had a stop-start season but enough signs to stay in the hunt. KL Rahul has been reliable at the top, with his strike rate rising from 151 in the Powerplay to 193 in the middle overs. However, as a team, they have the second-lowest run-rate in the Powerplay. Sameer Rizvi leads their run charts, while Tristan Stubbs has been the glue, allowing David Miller to finish. Nitish Rana finding form last game is another positive. With the ball, Lungi Ngidi has been effective with his variations, while skipper Axar Patel will want more impact alongside Kuldeep Yadav, who will be eager to get one better than his 'Kul-Cha' partner, Chahal.

Punjab's perfect run - Punjab Kings have ticked most boxes so far. Priyansh Arya has been electric with a strike rate of 248, the highest this season, while Cooper Connolly has been solid at number three. The calm presence of Shreyas Iyer has added stability, and although Marcus Stoinis hasn't had much to do, his 2.3 balls per boundary at the death (17-20) since last season makes him a real threat, especially against his former side. With the ball, Arshdeep Singh's return to form has been key, with good support from Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett, while Yuzvendra Chahal continues to lead the spin attack effectively.

Clash at the Capital - We are in the capital city as Delhi Capitals take on Punjab Kings in Match 35 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Welcome to what promises to be an exciting contest between the only unbeaten side this season and a team still searching for consistency. Punjab sit comfortably at the top, while Delhi, with three wins and three losses, know they need to find rhythm quickly in this tightly packed table.

... MATCH DAY ...

Unbeaten force vs inconsistency - As the Indian Premier League 2026 reaches Match 35, the league table is beginning to take a definitive shape. Punjab Kings have stormed into the top tier as the tournament’s undisputed dominant force, remarkably remaining the only unbeaten side so far. In stark contrast, the Delhi Capitals find themselves locked in a gritty mid-table scrap, oscillating between flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. A quest for the crown - Determined to erase the heartbreak of previous near-misses, the Punjab Kings have been relentless under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Their batting unit has functioned like a well-oiled machine, with Iyer leading from the front alongside a high-octane trio of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Cooper Connolly. While their bowling remains lethal, bolstered by Arshdeep Singh’s new-ball swing and Yuzvendra Chahal’s mid-innings mastery, their true hurdle lies in the middle order. To secure their maiden title, they must resolve the Wadhera Dilemma, as Nehal Wadhera’s prolonged slump remains the only visible crack in their otherwise impenetrable armour. Also, the Kings need to sort their fielding, as the number of catches they have dropped doesn't give a champion's outlook. Delhi’s quest for consistency - For the Delhi Capitals, the 2026 season has been a story of what could be. Under Axar Patel’s captaincy, the team has survived on individual sparks rather than collective fire. While their spin department, spearheaded by the world-class Kuldeep Yadav, continues to baffle opponents, the batting unit has struggled to find a steady pulse. To ascend the ladder, DC’s senior stars must stop throwing away starts and instead anchor the innings, providing the necessary cushion for a bowling unit that is still searching for its most effective combination. A masterclass in technique and craft - The individual matchups in this contest are set to be absolute showstoppers, starting with the high-stakes opening battle between KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh. Rahul’s legendary composure will be tested by Arshdeep’s ability to move the new ball both ways, a duel that could dictate the entire Powerplay. As the game moves into the middle overs, the focus shifts to the tactical chess match between Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav. Iyer is in the form of his life, but outfoxing his fellow countryman on a weary, spin-friendly Delhi surface will require every bit of his technical prowess. Finally, fans can expect pure fireworks when the raw power of Tristan Stubbs collides with the legendary guile of Yuzvendra Chahal in a classic power vs. craft finale. A deadlock awaiting a break - The history between these two franchises is defined by razor-thin margins. Having met 34 times in the IPL, the head-to-head record is perfectly deadlocked with 17 wins apiece. However, a closer look at recent history suggests a shift in momentum. Delhi has held the upper hand recently, winning 7 of their last 10 encounters. This statistical edge gives the Capitals a psychological boost, even as they face a Punjab side that seems currently invincible. Form (Last 5 completed IPL games, recent first) - DC - LWLLW | PBKS - WWWWW. Adapting to the Delhi surface - The outcome of Match 35 might ultimately hinge on which side better deciphers the evolving conditions in Delhi. On a surface that traditionally rewards slower variations and disciplined spin, Punjab’s path to victory lies in their aggressive top-order, putting DC on the back foot early. On the flip side, Delhi can snatch the points if Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav can effectively choke Punjab’s scoring rate in the middle overs, forcing the unbeaten Kings into a defensive shell. In a game of such high stakes, the winner will be the one who blinks last under the pressure of the death overs.