New Delhi

In a high-scoring thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Punjab Kings pulled off a record-breaking chase of 265 runs to defeat Delhi Capitals, overshadowing a remarkable unbeaten 152 by KL Rahul.

With the win, Punjab continued their unbeaten run in the season, registering six victories and one no-result to reach 13 points. Delhi, meanwhile, remained in sixth place with three wins from seven matches. The chase surpassed Punjab’s previous record of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 season.

Batting first after opting to take strike, Delhi posted a massive 264/2, powered by a 220-run stand for the second wicket between KL Rahul and Nitish Rana. Rahul anchored the innings with a 67-ball 152 not out, featuring 16 boundaries and nine sixes, while Rana contributed a blistering 91 off 44 deliveries.

Punjab’s reply began explosively, with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh tearing into the bowling attack. The pair raced to 116 runs in the powerplay, one of the highest totals in that phase of an innings. Prabhsimran was particularly aggressive, reaching his half-century in just 18 balls and eventually scoring 76 off 26 deliveries, while Arya added a quickfire 43.

The momentum slowed briefly after both openers were dismissed in quick succession, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel striking for Delhi. However, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer steadied the chase with a composed yet attacking unbeaten 71 off 36 balls.

He built crucial partnerships with Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, ensuring the required rate remained under control. Despite a couple of dropped chances, Iyer capitalised and accelerated in the latter stages, bringing up his half-century in 26 balls.

Punjab eventually chased down the target in 18.5 overs with six wickets in hand, as Iyer and Shashank saw the team home comfortably.

Earlier in the innings, Delhi’s dominance stemmed from Rahul’s masterclass, supported by Rana’s aggressive strokeplay. Rahul reached his century in just 47 balls, marking his sixth in the Indian Premier League. The duo’s 220-run partnership became one of the highest in the tournament’s history and propelled Delhi to their highest-ever IPL total.

READ MORE: Baba Bihari Singh's 'Kanyadaan' for Soni Khatun moves netizens

Despite the imposing score, Punjab’s fearless batting approach turned the contest into a memorable run-fest. Their successful chase now stands as the highest in T20 cricket history, underlining the evolving nature of the shortest format.