New Delhi: In one of the most dramatic finishes of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, Gujarat Titans held their nerve to defeat Delhi Capitals by just one run in a high-scoring contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats till the final ball.
Titans Set the Tone with 210/4
Batting first, Gujarat Titans delivered a commanding performance, posting 210 for 4. Skipper Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a fluent 70 off 45 balls, while Washington Sundar added momentum with a brisk 55 from 32 deliveries.
The early fireworks came from Jos Buttler, who tore into the Delhi attack during the powerplay with a rapid half-century, propelling GT to 68/1 in the first six overs. Despite an early setback with Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal, the Titans maintained a strong run rate, crossing 150 inside 14 overs.
Rahul Leads Delhi’s Fierce Chase
Chasing a daunting 211, Delhi Capitals got off to a confident start. KL Rahul led from the front with a sublime 92 off 52 balls, while Pathum Nissanka provided a steady opening platform.
At one stage, Delhi appeared to be cruising, but the game turned sharply in the middle overs.
Rashid’s Spell Turns the Tide
The introduction of Rashid Khan proved decisive. The Afghan spinner delivered a match-defining spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 17 runs, including key dismissals of Axar Patel and Nitish Rana. His tight bowling halted Delhi’s momentum and brought Gujarat back into the contest.
Turning Point: Rahul’s Exit
Rahul’s dismissal in the 17th over, caught behind off Mohammed Siraj, proved to be a crucial moment. With 45 runs needed off the last 18 balls, Delhi suddenly found themselves under pressure.
A costly mix-up then saw Tristan Stubbs run out, thanks to a sharp fielding effort by Sai Sudharsan, further denting Delhi’s hopes.
Miller’s Late Blitz Raises Hopes
David Miller nearly scripted a sensational finish with a blistering 41 off just 20 balls. His powerful hitting, including a towering 106-metre six, shifted momentum back towards Delhi, especially after Siraj conceded 23 runs in the penultimate over.
With 13 needed off the final six balls, the match hung in the balance.
Final Over Drama
Holding his nerve, Prasidh Krishna delivered under immense pressure. Gujarat Titans maintained composure in the final over, with Buttler effecting a crucial direct-hit run-out on the last ball.
A late review for a possible wide added to the tension, but the delivery was adjudged legal, sealing a thrilling one-run victory for Gujarat.
A Match to Remember
From explosive batting to game-changing spells and a nail-biting finish, the contest had all the ingredients of a classic IPL encounter. Despite Rahul’s brilliance and Miller’s late heroics, Delhi Capitals fell agonisingly short, finishing at 209—just one run behind a determined Gujarat Titans side.
