In a match that had everything except common sense in its final moments, Gujarat Titans managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by exactly one run against Delhi Capitals, despite KL Rahul’s magnificent 92 off 52 deliveries during Wednesday’s IPL 2026 encounter in New Delhi. With victory requiring merely two runs from the final two balls to chase down 211, David Miller chose the perfect moment for a mental meltdown, declining a straightforward single off Prasidh Krishna’s penultimate delivery before completely whiffing the final ball, leaving Kuldeep Yadav to be brilliantly run out by Jos Buttler’s pinpoint throw.
Captain Shubman Gill’s commanding 70 off 45 balls anchored GT’s imposing total of 210 for four. Buttler contributed a typically aggressive 52 from 27 deliveries, while Washington Sundar blazed his way to 55 off 32 balls after the Capitals graciously decided to field first. DC’s bowling attack saw Mukesh Kumar (2/55) and Lungi Ngidi (1/24) emerge as the standout performers.
In response, Rahul’s heroics proved heartbreakingly futile, though his opening stand of 76 runs with Pathum Nissanka (41 off 24) across 8.1 overs provided DC with genuine hope. Unfortunately, the middle order decided to take a collective nap before Miller’s unbeaten 41 off 20 balls dragged them to the precipice of an unlikely triumph. Gujarat Titans Pulled Out A Stunning 1-Run Victory Against Delhi Capitals .
TOSS
Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl first.
PLAYING XI
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI):
Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI):
KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
GUJARAT TITANS
While the Titans bid farewell to Sai Sudharsan early, skipper Gill’s comeback proved rather timely. However, it was Buttler who decided to forget his woeful season start and disastrous World Cup campaign, rediscovering his vintage form during the powerplay. His 52-run knock featured trademark aerial assaults and audacious ramps, particularly punishing Mukesh Kumar while ensuring Axar Patel never found his rhythm.
This provided Gill the luxury of settling in before unleashing his repertoire, though Sundar justified GT’s faith in promoting him to number four with his own fifty. Their 104-run partnership for the third wicket established the platform for a 200-plus score on what appeared to be a batsman’s paradise, with the captain contributing a valuable 70.
Expectations soared for a total exceeding 220 with both batsmen well-set. Instead, a bizarre 12-ball sequence during the death overs yielded a measly six runs while claiming Gill’s wicket, as Ngidi’s clever variations proved surprisingly effective. Sundar’s late flourish eventually pushed the Titans to their 210 target.
DELHI CAPITALS
Arriving with scores of 0 and 1, KL Rahul might have felt some anxiety. Apparently not, as he immediately looked for boundaries despite mistiming several early attempts that somehow found gaps. Nissanka established the tempo by decimating Ashok Sharma for 23 runs in the sixth over, helping DC plunder 63 during the powerplay. Rahul then channeled his 2018 vintage, producing sublime strokeplay throughout his innings. His 29-ball half-century showcased remarkable intent, continuing to attack even after Rashid’s double breakthrough by greeting Sundar with a maximum.
Miller battled through a finger complaint that clearly hampered his timing and eventually forced a retirement. Combined with Rabada’s tight spell following Rashid’s strikes, the required rate began climbing ominously. Rahul single-handedly kept hopes alive until his dismissal on 92 seemingly sealed DC’s fate.
Miller’s return coincided with Rahul’s departure, bringing renewed optimism. With 36 needed from the final two overs, Mohammed Siraj completely lost his composure, serving up deliveries perfectly suited to Miller’s strengths in a costly 23-run over. Thirteen runs from the final over seemed manageable until Prasidh Krishna removed Vipraj Nigam after his boundary off the first ball. Miller’s towering six over the Gautam Gambhir Stand appeared to settle matters decisively.
Then came the masterstroke of tactical genius – with two runs required from two balls, Miller brilliantly refused a simple single, generously putting Kuldeep on strike for the final delivery. He then completed his masterclass by missing a slower bouncer entirely, allowing Buttler to calmly break the stumps and catch Kuldeep short, gifting the Titans an absolutely thrilling victory.
Brief scores:
Gujarat Titans 210/4 in 20 overs [Shubman Gill 70 (45), Washington Sundar 55 (32), Jos Buttler 52 (27); Lungi Ngidi 1-24] defeated Delhi Capitals 209/8 in 20 overs [KL Rahul 92 (52), David Miller 41* (20), Pathum Nissanka 41 (24); Rashid Khan 3-17] by 1 run.
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