IPL 2026: PBKS vs DC Updates: Tiwari-Ashutosh fire keeps DC alive

36 off 18 needed as Marcus Stoinis comes into the attack.

Madhav Tiwari opens up the over, guiding one neatly towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Then Ashutosh takes charge--he hammers a boundary, and follows it up with a massive six! This game is truly alive now!

DC suddenly need 24 off 14 balls.

Ashutosh nudges the next one away for a single, bringing Tiwari back on strike. And he responds in style--smashing a towering six! What a revelation he's been for DC--contributing with wickets and now fireworks with the bat.

A single to finish the over.

19 runs come off it. After 18 overs, Delhi Capitals are 194 for 6. They now need 17 runs from 12 balls.

Ben Dwarshuis was tasked with finishing his spell for Punjab Kings with the game hanging in the balance -- Delhi Capitals needing 53 from 24 balls.

David Miller wasted no time in shifting momentum, launching the first ball of the over for a massive six. The pressure instantly swung back towards Punjab.

But Miller wasn't done. He picked up another full delivery and sent it soaring into the stands again, bringing up a brilliant fifty off just 27 balls in emphatic style. For a brief moment, DC looked right back in control of the chase.

Then came the turning point. Looking to continue the assault, Miller went after another big shot but didn't get the timing right. The ball went high in the air, and Prabhsimran Singh judged it perfectly, running in and diving forward at short extra cover to complete a crucial catch.

Miller walked back furious with himself after a superb 51 off 28 balls -- a huge wicket at a decisive moment in the match.

A massive swing in the contest as Punjab Kings strike back just when Delhi Capitals were building serious momentum.

Ashutosh Sharma joined David Miller at the crease for Delhi Capitals with 73 needed off 36 balls, and Arshdeep Singh returned to bowl out his spell for Punjab Kings.

Miller got things moving with a controlled tuck to deep mid-wicket for a single, while Ashutosh got off the mark with a couple of runs. Arshdeep kept things tight with a couple of dots, but Delhi still managed to scrape together 5 runs from the over. After 15 overs, DC were 143 for 5, needing 68 from 30 balls.

Then came Marco Jansen to bowl out, and Miller immediately shifted gears. After a swing and a miss, he adjusted brilliantly to the bounce and cracked a boundary, followed by a huge six that brought the chase back to life.

Ashutosh added to the momentum with a well-timed boundary of his own before Miller rotated strike with a single. It was a strong finish to the over from DC -- 15 runs coming from it.

After 16 overs, Delhi Capitals are 158 for 5, needing 53 from 24 balls, with the chase suddenly wide open again.

Marcus Stoinis was brought back into the attack with a changed ball, and immediately tested Axar Patel with a mix of pace and variation. Axar initially struggled to connect, missing a flick and surviving a couple of tight deliveries as the pressure built for Delhi Capitals. A couple of wides also helped ease the tension slightly.

Then Axar turned the game again. He found his rhythm and smashed back-to-back boundaries before completing a brilliant half-century off just 28 balls -- his first of the season. For a brief moment, it looked like he might take the game away from Punjab Kings.

But Stoinis struck back at the perfect time. Axar went for one big shot too many, got a top edge, and Ben Dwarshuis settled under it safely to complete the catch. Axar departed for a superb 56 off 30 balls after dragging DC back into the contest.

A crucial breakthrough for Punjab Kings -- 14 runs and a wicket from the over -- and after 14 overs, Delhi Capitals are 138 for 5, needing 73 runs from 36 balls with the chase hanging in the balance.

Ben Dwarshuis continued, but David Miller was beginning to find his rhythm for Delhi Capitals. Miller survived an early chance in the air that safely landed in the gap for a couple before hammering a boundary to keep the pressure on Punjab Kings. He followed it with a controlled pull to deep mid-wicket for a single as the batters rotated strike smartly.

Then Axar Patel produced the big finish to the over, launching a massive six to cap off a productive passage for Delhi. Fifteen runs came from the over, taking DC to 113 for 4 after 12 overs.

Yash Thakur returned to the attack, and Delhi continued to chip away at the target. Miller nudged one behind the stumps for a quick single before Axar improvised, shuffling across and later dabbing one down to deep third for a couple.

There was more frustration for Punjab when a sharp bouncer sailed over the batter and wicketkeeper, resulting in five bonus runs. Axar and Miller kept collecting easy singles, ensuring the required rate stayed within touching distance.

Another 11 runs came from the over as Delhi Capitals moved to 124 for 4 after 13 overs, now needing 87 from 42 balls.

More importantly for DC, Axar Patel has finally found his flow just when his side desperately needed someone to take charge.

Marco Jansen returned for his third over, but David Miller wasted no time in putting pressure back on Punjab Kings, opening the over with a crisp boundary. He missed out on a flick next ball but recovered with a single to deep point.

Axar Patel then joined the charge, driving a boundary of his own before both batters rotated strike smartly to keep the chase moving. Delhi Capitals added 11 runs from the over, reaching 87 for 4 after 10 overs.

Despite the mini fightback, Punjab still held the upper hand, with DC needing 124 from the final 60 balls.

Marcus Stoinis was then introduced into the attack, and the batters initially settled for singles before Miller broke free with a towering six straight down the ground. The rest of the over was again built around strike rotation, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking too many risks.

Another 11-run over for Delhi Capitals took them to 98 for 4 after 11 overs, but the equation still remains steep -- they now need 113 runs from 54 balls, with Punjab Kings still firmly in control despite the late resistance.

Marco Jansen continued his spell, but Axar Patel kept fighting back for Delhi Capitals. Axar began the over with a crisp boundary before adding a single to keep the chase moving. 

Marco Jansen was introduced into the attack as Axar Patel looked to counterattack for Delhi Capitals. Axar initially chased one away from his body without success, but Jansen then drifted one down leg for a wide. The DC skipper responded in style, launching a huge six before collecting a single to keep things moving.

Tristan Stubbs struggled to find timing, managing only a leg bye after an inside edge onto the pads, while Axar calmly defended the final delivery. Delhi Capitals reached 47 for 3 after 6 overs, still needing a strong recovery.

Then came Ben Dwarshuis into the attack, and the over quickly turned messy for Punjab Kings. Stubbs flicked away a single before another wicketkeeping fumble gifted DC extra runs. Axar rotated strike smartly, but the biggest moment came when Stubbs was dropped on 9 -- Arshdeep Singh putting down a straightforward chance.

Axar made Punjab pay immediately, smashing back-to-back boundaries as the pressure shifted again. Another wayward delivery down leg added to Punjab's frustration, with Prabhsimran Singh unable to stop it cleanly behind the stumps.

A costly over for Punjab Kings -- 16 runs came from it, taking Delhi Capitals to 63 for 3 after 7 overs, with Axar and Stubbs rebuilding the chase.

Arshdeep Singh struck again for Punjab Kings, tightening the screws in the powerplay. Tristan Stubbs could only punch one straight to mid-off before rotating strike with a single, but the pressure kept building.

The breakthrough came soon after. Sahil Parakh tried to give himself room, but Arshdeep smartly followed him and cramped the batter for space. Looking to improvise with a ramp shot, Parakh only managed a mistimed edge that flew straight to Yuzvendra Chahal at short third man, who took a sharp low catch.

A well-executed plan from Arshdeep -- Parakh departs for a quick 13 off 6 balls, and Delhi Capitals are suddenly under real pressure again in the chase.

Yash Thakur continued for Punjab Kings, but Sahil Parakh announced himself in style -- stepping out and launching the first six of his IPL career over the ropes, a fearless statement in the chase. He followed it up with a controlled single towards backward point.

Tristan Stubbs then joined the counter-attack, finding the boundary with a clean strike before rotating strike smartly with a single. Parakh kept the momentum going, guiding one fine past short third for a couple of runs and showing real composure after the early wickets.

He capped off the over in spectacular fashion -- finishing it with a massive six to swing momentum back towards Delhi Capitals.

A huge over overall -- 20 runs from it -- and after 4 overs, DC are 34 for 2, needing 177 from 96 balls. The chase is still steep, but that over has brought them right back into the contest.

Arshdeep Singh continued his spell for Punjab Kings and kept things tight early, beating KL Rahul with one that swung past the bat. Rahul responded soon after with a well-timed boundary, showing intent in the chase for Delhi Capitals.

But Arshdeep struck back quickly. Rahul attempted a swivel shot to help it on its way, but only managed a top edge. There was a bit of confusion under the high ball, with both Prabhsimran Singh and Marco Jansen converging, but Jansen called it well and took a low, diving catch to dismiss Rahul.

A crucial early breakthrough for Punjab -- Rahul departs for 9 off 8 balls.

Tristan Stubbs walks in at number 4, joining the chase as Delhi Capitals look to rebuild after losing their opener. He defends the rest of the over.

Yash Thakur was handed the new ball and made an immediate impact for Punjab Kings. Abishek Porel struggled early, throwing his hands at a couple of deliveries before being kept quiet for three dot balls. He eventually broke free with a well-timed boundary, showing intent after a slow start.

But Yash Thakur hit back in style. Looking to drive on the up, Porel missed a straight delivery completely, and his middle stump was left in a mess. A dream start for Thakur in his first over of the season -- sharp, precise, and instantly effective. Porel walked back for 5 off 6 balls.

Sahil Parakh came in next to join KL Rahul, but could only tap his first ball safely for no run as Punjab tightened the screws early in the chase.

After 2 overs, Delhi Capitals are 10 for 1, with Punjab Kings striking first in defence of 211.

Punjab Kings made an early tactical move with Yash Thakur coming in as the Impact Player, replacing Shashank Singh.

Chasing 211, KL Rahul and Abishek Porel walked out to open for Delhi Capitals. Arshdeep Singh started with the new ball, keeping things tight early on.

Rahul looked solid from the outset, defending confidently and then walking down the track, but he was also handed a lifeline when a misfield from Yuzvendra Chahal at short third allowed four extra runs. He followed it up with a flick for a single, keeping the scoreboard moving.

Porel then got his first runs with a controlled slap to deep backward point for one. Rahul was beaten once again as Arshdeep tightened his lines, and the over ended with a dot ball.

A steady start for Delhi Capitals -- 6 for 0 after the first over in their chase of 211, with both openers still settling in.

Delhi Capitals were hit with an over-rate penalty, forcing them to keep only four fielders outside the circle for the final over -- adding pressure at a crucial stage.

Lungi Ngidi took charge of the final over and started brilliantly. Shreyas Iyer managed a single, but only after sharp fielding from Madhav Tiwari saved a couple of runs earlier in the over. Shedge struggled initially, missing one and being kept quiet by disciplined bowling.

Ngidi continued to nail his lengths, giving away just three runs from the first part of the over and keeping things tight under pressure. But Shedge eventually found his moment -- breaking free with a well-timed shot through the gap to finish the innings with a boundary.

A strong final over from Ngidi despite the late hit, and Punjab Kings finish their innings at 210 for 5 after 20 overs, setting a challenging target after a dramatic finish.

Mitchell Starc turned the game sharply as he came back into the attack and immediately struck. Marcus Stoinis tried to force the pace, looking to go over the infield, but mistimed it badly and ended up offering a simple catch to Madhav Tiwari at extra cover. Stoinis fell for just 1 off 2 balls, and suddenly the momentum shifted.

With that wicket, Starc made it two in two balls, and the atmosphere tightened instantly. Shashank Singh walked in under real pressure, and Starc was now on a hat-trick. Punjab Kings, who had been cruising earlier, suddenly found themselves wobbling as Delhi Capitals clawed their way back into the contest.

Mukesh Kumar was brought back to finish his spell, and Cooper Connolly tried to go after him but mistimed his shot, managing only a single. Shreyas Iyer then continued his composed innings, glancing one off the inside edge into his pads for a run as Punjab Kings kept the scoreboard ticking.

The over stayed quiet with controlled singles, and Mukesh completed his final over for just 6 runs, leaving Punjab Kings at 168 for 2 after 17 overs.

In the 18th over, Madhav Tiwari returned to bowl out, and Delhi Capitals brought in substitute Ashutosh Sharma. The over began with Shreyas missing a swipe but collecting a wide before exploding into life -- he launched a massive six to bring up a well-made fifty off just 32 balls. He followed it up with a single to rotate strike.

Cooper Connolly then tried to up the tempo but fell trying to force a shot, edging a catch straight to David Miller at deep mid-wicket. Tiwari picked up his second wicket as Connolly departed for 38 off 27 balls.

Marcus Stoinis came in next and got off the mark immediately with a single. Shreyas finished the over in trademark style, smashing another six to cap off a strong over for Punjab.

A big 19 runs and a wicket came from it -- after 18 overs, Punjab Kings are 187 for 3, with Shreyas Iyer firmly in control at the death.

After the strategic break, Delhi Capitals had managed to stay in the contest with a few tight overs, but Shreyas Iyer continued to set the tone for Punjab Kings.

Madhav Tiwari was into his third over, and Cooper Connolly started steadily with a sweep for a single. Shreyas then soaked up a couple of deliveries before opening up with a crisp boundary, before rotating strike with ease. It was a controlled, composed over from Punjab, finishing at 7 runs as they reached 140 for 2 after 14 overs.

Mitchell Starc returned next, and Connolly responded in style -- defending the first ball before smashing a towering six straight down the ground. He followed it with a single, while Shreyas kept things ticking with smart running. Punjab added 9 runs in the over, moving to 149 for 2 after 15 overs.

Then came Lungi Ngidi again, still without spin in the attack. Connolly wasted no time, welcoming him with a clean boundary, stepping forward and sending it into the stands. The rest of the over was smart accumulation with singles, but the damage was done -- 13 runs came off it.

At the end of 16 overs, Punjab Kings were 162 for 2, with momentum firmly back in their hands and the finish line coming into view.

Lungi Ngidi came into the attack and started with disciplined lines, as Shreyas Iyer opened the over cautiously, defending the first delivery before working one fine to deep leg for a single. Cooper Connolly then edged one safely down to third man for another run.

But Shreyas soon shifted gears. After a quiet restart to his innings, he picked his moment and launched a clean six -- Punjab Kings' first maximum since the early overs, breaking a long boundary drought and lifting the tempo instantly. He followed it up with a calm single, while Connolly had a narrow escape when a delivery just missed the leg stump.

Ngidi's over still went for 9 runs, with Punjab Kings reaching 125 for 2 after 12 overs.

Mukesh Kumar continued the attack, and Shreyas stayed busy -- rising on his toes to punch one into the square-leg region for a single. Connolly survived a close call as well, beaten on the outside edge. The batters kept things ticking with singles, before Shreyas finished the over in style, cutting away a boundary.

Another controlled over for Punjab Kings -- 8 runs from it, taking them to 133 for 2 after 13 overs, with Shreyas anchoring the innings and gradually rebuilding momentum.

Cooper Connolly walked in after the wicket, joining Shreyas Iyer at the crease with Mitchell Starc back into the attack. Starc began with a delivery that was mistimed in the air but landed safely, allowing Shreyas to collect a couple before working the next behind point for a single.

Starc's rhythm wavered briefly with back-to-back wides, and Connolly made him pay immediately -- cracking a confident boundary to get going. The over still ended with just 10 runs as Punjab Kings moved to 107 for 2 after 10 overs.

Madhav Tiwari continued his spell, and Connolly rotated strike smartly with a single early on. There was a bit of luck too, with a delivery slipping down leg after sticking in the hand and going down as a wide.

Shreyas Iyer then showed his class again, timing a clean boundary before taking a single to keep things moving. Connolly added another couple of runs through sharp placement, while Shreyas finished the over with a smooth drive to long-on.

Just a dot ball to end it, but Punjab Kings still added 9 runs from the 11th over, reaching 116 for 2 -- steady, controlled, and still building after Arya's earlier fireworks.

Auqib Nabi completed his spell with Priyansh Arya starting the over in control, nudging one away for a single. Then Shreyas Iyer took charge in style, cracking back-to-back boundaries to shift momentum straight back to Punjab Kings. He rotated strike after that, picking up singles and keeping the scoreboard moving as Punjab reached 88 for 1 after 8 overs.

The introduction of Madhav Tiwari brought a twist. Shreyas initially missed one, and even wicketkeeper KL Rahul fumbled a chance to give away extra runs. But Tiwari soon hit back. Arya tried to keep the momentum going with a boundary, but in the very next moment he went for another big shot and miscued it.

Sahil Parakh held on safely at deep point, giving Tiwari his maiden IPL wicket -- and a big one too, as Arya walked back after a superb 56 off 33 balls. A well-set batter gone just when Punjab looked set for a surge.

Despite the breakthrough, Punjab still added 9 runs in the over, finishing the 9th at 97 for 2, with Delhi Capitals slowly clawing their way back into the contest.

Delhi Capitals used the timeout wisely, slowing down the early surge and pulling things back after a frantic start. Mukesh Kumar continued the attack, and this time it was much tighter from DC.

Prabhsimran Singh managed a couple of runs early in the over with a neat flick to square of the wicket, but Mukesh soon found his rhythm. A bouncer flew over Prabhsimran for a wide, and the batter then tried to force one but couldn't connect cleanly. He was beaten on the next delivery as well, with DC building pressure ball by ball.

After a brief exchange of singles, the breakthrough finally arrived. Prabhsimran's struggle ended when he mistimed one and was caught by Auqib Nabi, departing for 18 off 15 balls. A timely wicket for Delhi Capitals, just when they needed to break the opening stand.

Shreyas Iyer walked in as the new batter but had no time to settle -- Mukesh finished the over with a sharp delivery that beat him as well. Just 6 runs and a wicket from the over, and after 7 overs Punjab Kings are 78 for 1, with a brief sense that DC have managed to claw things back.

Auqib Nabi continued his spell, but the pressure only kept building. Priyansh Arya opened the over with a soft push to point for a single, before Prabhsimran Singh released the pressure in style -- lofting one over the fence for four. Nabi then overstepped again, giving Punjab another free hit.


On the free hit, Prabhsimran went for the big shot across the line but missed completely. He recovered with a single next ball, while Arya tried to drive and was beaten all ends up -- lucky to keep his stumps intact. The over ended quietly after a single, but Punjab still added 8 runs, reaching 59 without loss after 4 overs.


A change of bat for Arya seemed to do the trick. When Mukesh Kumar came into the attack, Arya immediately answered with a towering six. Whatever the change, it clearly didn't slow him down. He then rotated strike smartly before Prabhsimran was involved in a lucky edge that ran past wicketkeeper KL Rahul for four. Punjab raced to 70 without loss after 5 overs.


Nabi returned for his third, and Arya calmly nudged one to mid-on to bring up a blazing fifty off just 24 balls -- his fifth IPL half-century. Prabhsimran added a single, but Arya was beaten again in the over as the bowlers finally tightened things slightly. Only 2 runs came from it, taking Punjab Kings to 72 without loss after 6 overs -- still firmly in control despite the brief squeeze.

Auqib Nabi came in from the other end, but the momentum didn't slow down one bit. Priyansh Arya looked in complete control -- even when he was beaten, the ball somehow kept finding the boundary. One top-edge still sailed over the ropes for six, and when he was dropped in the deep with Axar Patel running back, Punjab were handed another lifeline.

There was also drama with a no-ball after Arya was beaten by a good-length delivery, adding free runs to the tally. The batters rotated strike smartly for the rest of the over, finishing it strongly. Punjab Kings raced to 34 without loss after 2 overs.

Then came Lungi Ngidi into the attack -- and Arya only got more aggressive. He launched two huge sixes in no time, showing complete disdain for the bowling. Even a dipping slower yorker was met with authority, before he carved out a clean boundary.

Prabhsimran Singh played his part too, adding a single and then timing a straight drive to mid-off for no run.

After just 3 overs, Punjab Kings were flying at 51 without loss -- a blazing start with Arya leading the charge.

Here are the playing XIs

Time for the toss in Dharamsala. Shreyas Iyer flips the coin, Axar Patel calls correctly, and it lands tails. 

Punjab Kings will look to halt their slide in the IPL season when they take on Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Monday.