Delhi Capitals edged out Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a dramatic finish, with David Miller delivering under pressure to seal victory with one ball remaining. Chasing a tricky target, DC needed 15 in the final over, and Miller turned the game around after a slow start, smashing two sixes and a boundary to complete a remarkable comeback and hand RCB their first home defeat of the season.
Earlier, RCB made a brisk start after being put in to bat. Virat Kohli looked fluent early, striking a couple of crisp boundaries before falling for 19 off 13 deliveries. Phil Salt took time to settle but then accelerated impressively, bringing up a half century in 30 balls and eventually scoring 63 from 38. However, the surface slowed down significantly, making stroke play difficult.
Delhi’s spin duo, led by Kuldeep Yadav and captain Axar Patel, applied the brakes during the middle overs. Despite a quick 26 off 15 from Tim David, RCB struggled to maintain momentum and failed to find boundaries in the closing stages, finishing below par according to most assessments.
In response, DC suffered an early collapse thanks to a brilliant opening spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who removed three top order batters inside the first three overs. Reduced to 18 for 3, the visitors needed a steady rebuild.
KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs answered the challenge with a composed partnership. Rahul played the aggressor, striking 57 off 34 balls, including a six off Josh Hazlewood that highlighted his dominance in their matchups. Stubbs, meanwhile, anchored the innings with a patient yet impactful knock, finishing unbeaten after guiding the chase deep.
With 42 needed off 25 balls, RCB’s bowlers tightened the screws, particularly Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar with precise yorkers. Yet Stubbs kept the equation manageable before Miller’s late heroics stunned the home crowd.
The final over saw Romario Shepherd miss his lengths under pressure, allowing Miller to capitalise and complete a memorable win. It was a redemption moment for the experienced finisher, who ensured Delhi walked away with a thrilling result.
