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The 62nd match of the IPL 2026 season witnessed a high-stakes, thrilling clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. Delhi Capitals (DC) won the toss and elected to field first against the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR). While the match was packed with explosive batting performances, it was an unbelievable piece of fielding from DC captain Axar Patel that stole the spotlight and completely shifted the momentum of the game.
Axar Patel’s breathtaking dive sends Riyan Parag back during DC vs RR encounter
The defining moment of the first innings unfolded during the 15th over when Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Riyan Parag was firmly in the driving seat. Parag had been tearing the DC bowling attack apart, racing to a magnificent 51 off just 26 deliveries, punctuated by 3 fours and 5 towering sixes.
On the second ball of the 14.2 over, veteran Australian speedster Mitchell Starc bowled a clever off-cutter pitched up well outside the off stump. Parag attempted to launch it over the straight boundary but mistimed the deceptive slower ball. The ball hung high in the Delhi night sky toward long-on.
Axar, stationed at the boundary, tracked the ball flawlessly. Charging forward with absolute commitment, Axar executed a spectacular, full-length diving catch, perfectly getting both hands under the leather just inches above the turf. The stunning dismissal broke a crucial partnership and sparked a major batting collapse for the Royals.
Here’s the video:
From raining boundaries to a Starc Storm 🌪️🔥
🎥 Mitchell Starc fires back with 3⃣ wickets in an over 👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/JwHkQQ1ayi #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #DCvRR pic.twitter.com/UNFmDkZe6Q
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 17, 2026
Also WATCH: David Miller grabs a stunning catch to dismiss Vaibhav Suryavanshi during DC vs RR encounter
RR post a challenging total against DC
Despite Axar’s heroic fielding display, Rajasthan Royals managed to post a highly competitive total of 193/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The team got off to a flying start, asserting dominance in the initial phases. Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early for 12, but young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a sensational cameo, blasting 46 runs off a mere 21 balls at a strike rate of 219.04, featuring 5 fours and 3 sixes. He was eventually caught by David Miller off the bowling of Madhav Tiwari.
Following Suryavanshi’s departure, Dhruv Jurel anchored the innings brilliantly. Jurel played a calculated yet aggressive knock, bringing up a well-deserved half-century with 53 runs off 40 balls. However, Axar’s catch to dismiss Parag at 161/3 proved to be the ultimate turning point.
Following Parag’s exit, Starc triggered a massive collapse, dismantling RR’s middle order. Donovan Ferreira fell for a golden duck, caught by Axar off Starc, and Ravi Singh was trapped lbw just two balls later for 4. The Royals choked in the death overs, managing only 27 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the final 5 overs.
Starc was the pick of the bowlers for DC, recovering from an expensive start to finish with impressive figures of 4/40 in his 4 overs. Lungi Ngidi provided excellent control with 2/24, while Madhav Tiwari chipped in with 2/27. Thanks to late boundaries from impact sub Dasun Shanaka (10), RR closed at 193/8, leaving DC with a steep target of 194 runs to chase down on a dynamic Delhi track.
Also READ: Here’s why RR star Ravindra Jadeja is not playing today’s match against DC in IPL 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
