Delhi Capitals (DC) outclassed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 40 runs in the 70th match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens. After being asked to bat first, KL Rahul and Abishek Porel gave Delhi Capitals a flying start. The duo added 40 runs for the first wicket. KL Rahul then stitched a 47-run partnership for the second wicket with Sahil Parakh, followed by another 38-run stand for the third wicket with Axar Patel.
KL Rahul scored a brilliant 60 off 30 balls before being dismissed by Anukul Roy in the 13th over. Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, and David Miller played useful cameos that helped Delhi Capitals post 203/5 in 20 overs. Rahul remained the top scorer for DC. Saurabh Dubey (2/28 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for KKR, while Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy picked up one wicket each.
While chasing, Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen gave KKR a strong start. They added 43 runs for the first wicket before Lungi Ngidi dismissed Allen in the fifth over. Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell also contributed valuable runs for KKR. After 13.1 overs, KKR were cruising at 128/3 and looked well on course in the chase.
However, Kuldeep Yadav (3/29 in 4 overs), along with Mitchell Starc (2/26 in 3 overs) and Lungi Ngidi (3/27 in 3.4 overs), triggered a dramatic collapse by dismantling KKR’s middle and lower order. KKR lost their last seven wickets for just 35 runs and were eventually bowled out for 163 with eight balls remaining, losing the match by 40 runs. Ajinkya Rahane finished as the top scorer for KKR.
With this victory, Delhi Capitals ended their IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note. Rajasthan Royals had already knocked Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and KKR out of playoff contention after defeating Mumbai Indians in the previous match.
KL Rahul Powers Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul led Delhi Capitals’ batting with a brilliant knock of 60 runs off just 30 balls. He attacked the KKR bowlers confidently and played several aggressive shots against the spinners.
Rahul especially dominated Sunil Narine. He stepped out and smashed the spinner for boundaries and sixes regularly. Overall, he scored 21 runs off just nine balls against Narine.
Rahul reached his half-century in only 25 deliveries before getting out while trying another attacking shot.
Saurabh Dubey Impresses Early
KKR bowlers had mixed results in the powerplay. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey impressed with disciplined bowling and smart slower deliveries.
He dismissed Abishek Porel after keeping the scoring under control early in the innings. Dubey gave away only five runs in his first two overs inside the powerplay.
However, KKR fielders failed to support their bowlers properly. Tejasvi Dahiya dropped Porel earlier in the innings, while Rinku Singh also missed an important catch of Sahil Parakh.
Axar Patel and Miller Finish Strongly
After Rahul’s dismissal, Axar Patel and David Miller accelerated the innings further. The duo added 41 runs in just 25 balls to push Delhi beyond the 200-run mark. Axar scored 39 off 25 balls before getting dismissed while attempting another big hit.
David Miller added quick runs in the death overs and hit two sixes off Dubey in the final over. Ashutosh Sharma also contributed with an unbeaten 18 off 11 balls.
Finn Allen Gives KKR Fast Start
KKR began their chase aggressively. Finn Allen attacked Mitchell Starc early and hit boundaries confidently. Ajinkya Rahane also looked in good touch and smashed consecutive sixes to keep KKR ahead during the powerplay.
KKR reached 55/1 in the first six overs and appeared to be building momentum in the chase.
Kuldeep Yadav Turns the Match
The game changed after spinner Kuldeep Yadav entered the attack. He first dismissed Cameron Green and later removed Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh on successive deliveries. Those wickets completely shifted momentum towards Delhi Capitals.
Kuldeep nearly completed a hat-trick, but wicketkeeper Abishek Porel dropped Tejasvi Dahiya behind the stumps. Rahane scored a fighting half-century off 31 balls, but KKR’s middle order collapsed after his dismissal.
KKR Collapse Ends Chase Quickly
KKR lost control rapidly in the final overs. Rovman Powell was run out after a direct hit from substitute fielder Sameer Rizvi. Without Sunil Narine available to bat, the lower order struggled badly against Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi.
KKR eventually lost their last seven wickets for just 37 runs and suffered a heavy defeat. Delhi Capitals finished their season with a strong performance, while KKR bowed out of IPL 2026 playoff contention with another disappointing loss.