KL Rahul, Nitish Rana power DC with 220-run stand as Delhi Capitals post 264/2 vs Punjab Kings in IPL 2026

KL Rahul and Nitish Rana delivered a batting masterclass as they stitched together a massive 220-run partnership for the second wicket, powering Delhi Capitals to 264/2 against Punjab Kings in Match 35 of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The duo dismantled the Punjab bowling attack, scoring freely against all options. KL Rahul led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 152 off 67 balls, an innings filled with controlled aggression and flawless strokeplay. His knock also included the fastest century for Delhi Capitals in IPL history, reached in just 47 balls.

Rahul’s 152 now stands as the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history, surpassing Abhishek Sharma’s 141 against Punjab Kings last season. He also became only the third batter in IPL history to cross the 150-run mark, joining Chris Gayle (175* vs Pune Warriors, 2013) and Brendon McCullum (158* vs RCB, 2008).

At the other end, Nitish Rana played a brilliant supporting role, scoring 91 runs—falling just short of what would have been his maiden IPL century.

Their 220-run stand for the second wicket is now the second-highest partnership in IPL history. The pair fell just nine runs short of the all-time record of 229, held by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions in 2016. The third-highest partnership remains 215 runs, also by Kohli and de Villiers, achieved against Mumbai Indians in 2015.

Delhi Capitals were briefly jolted early after losing Pathum Nissanka in the third over, but the Rahul–Rana partnership shifted momentum completely and set up a daunting 265-run target for Punjab Kings.

PBKS, unbeaten coming into the match with five wins in six games, were left chasing a record-breaking total, while DC climbed to sixth place with three wins from six matches.