Mitchell Starc Claims Three Wickets on Return as Delhi Capitals Chase Down 226 Against Rajasthan Royals

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel commended Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc following a match-winning bowling performance in the opening fixture of IPL 2026. Starc secured three crucial wickets as the Delhi Capitals defeated the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets, successfully chasing a target of 226 runs with five balls remaining at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Mitchell Starc’s Impactful Return

Returning to professional cricket after a three-month hiatus due to shoulder and elbow injuries, Starc immediately disrupted the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup. The left-arm pacer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal in his opening over. Returning in the 17th over, Starc claimed the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Riyan Parag, finishing his spell with figures of 3/40.

In the post-match press conference, Axar Patel recognized Starc’s ability to perform under pressure. ‘The way he bowled today, that is why he is a legend of the game. After three months away, coming back and delivering a performance like this on a wicket like this tells you how big a player he is. Very happy that Starc is back and showing everyone why he is such a great bowler,’ Patel stated.

KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka Anchor Record Chase

KL Rahul orchestrated the massive run chase, scoring a composed 75 off 40 deliveries. Opening partner Pathum Nissanka provided aggressive momentum early in the innings, scoring 62 off 33 balls. The duo established a 110-run opening partnership, giving the Capitals a solid foundation.

Following the openers’ departure, the middle order maintained the required run rate. Key contributions included:

• Nitish Rana: 33 runs off 17 balls
• Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs: An unbeaten finishing partnership to secure the victory

Riyan Parag’s 90 in Vain

Earlier in the match, the Rajasthan Royals recovered from an early collapse of 12/2, driven by Riyan Parag. Parag scored 90 off 50 balls and formed a 102-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed 42 runs. The Royals posted a total of 225/6.

Despite the high total, the batting-friendly conditions at Sawai Mansingh Stadium allowed the Delhi Capitals to complete their second successive 225-plus run chase at this venue within a week. For comprehensive player records and match data, visit ESPNcricinfo.

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