Delhi Capitals Stun RCB in Last-Over Thriller: Stubbs and Rahul Anchor Epic Chase
Bengaluru: The Delhi Capitals executed a stunning six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, chasing down a competitive 176-run target with just one ball to spare. Anchored by KL Rahul and finished aggressively by Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, the victory breaks a five-match home winning streak for Bengaluru.
RCB Sets the Target
Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 175/8. The innings was built on a solid foundation from Phil Salt, who scored 63, and Virat Kohli, who contributed 19. However, the Delhi Capitals’ spin attack seized control in the middle overs. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav triggered a sudden middle-order collapse, preventing RCB from capitalizing on their strong start. Official match data from the Board of Control for Cricket in India shows Bengaluru scored significantly below the venue average after the spin barrage.
Early Trouble and Rahul Stabilizes the Chase
Delhi’s chase began disastrously. A precision opening spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantled the top order, reducing the Capitals to 18/3 inside the first three overs. KL Rahul then stabilized the innings, executing a composed 57 off 34 balls. His steady presence absorbed the pressure and laid the groundwork for the lower order.
Stubbs and Miller Close the Game
With Rahul dismissed, Tristan Stubbs took charge, blasting an unbeaten 60. He found a reliable partner in David Miller, who added a quickfire 22 not out. Miller struck two massive sixes in the final over to erase the remaining deficit. Stubbs, awarded Player of the Match, emphasized Miller’s composure under extreme pressure.
“I kept thinking three sixes and we are straight back in it,” Stubbs remarked during the post-match presentation. “They bowled their guns out quite early. I always thought, worst case, the last over we can get whatever we need. I didn’t want to take it to the last over, but thankfully we got over the line. I said to Miller, I knew we were going to do it. I didn’t know how. Thankfully, David Miller was on the other end. That is his bread and butter.”
Match Statistics Summary
| Team | Top Performers | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Phil Salt (63), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Early wickets) | 175/8 (20 Overs) |
| Delhi Capitals | Tristan Stubbs (60*), KL Rahul (57), David Miller (22*) | 176/4 (19.5 Overs) |
Key Match Data
- Delhi Capitals recovered from a massive deficit of 18/3 to successfully chase 176.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel engineered a critical middle-order collapse against the hosts.
- The victory ends Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s five-game home winning streak.
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