Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined Rs 12 crore after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League 2026 match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Monday 11 May. The penalty came despite Delhi managing a thrilling three-wicket win to keep their fading play-off hopes alive.
The IPL confirmed the sanction in an official media notice after Match No. 55 of the season at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
“Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Match No. 55 against Punjab Kings,” the statement read.
The league further clarified that this was Delhi Capitals’ first offense of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with the minimum infringement of overscoring. As a result, Axar received a financial penalty of Rs 12 crore.
Although the fine will be less of a setback, Axar would take more satisfaction A dramatic win for Delhi in a must win match.
Axar and Miller save Delhi in a tense chase
Chasing a formidable target of 211 runs, Delhi Capitals found themselves in serious trouble at 74 for 4 after Punjab Kings took an early lead. However, captain Axar led from the front with a composed but aggressive 56, steadying the innings when his side desperately needed momentum.
David Miller then finished with a counter-attacking 51 as Delhi clawed their way back into the match. Contributions from Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari ensured the chase was completed in just 19 overs, with DC finishing at 216 for 7.
Earlier, Punjab Kings posted 210 for 5 after some strong batting. Priyansh Arya gave them a flying start with a 33-ball 56 while Prabhsimran Singh chipped in with 18 off 78 runs.
After the openers departed, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 59 off 36 deliveries. Cooper Connolly also contributed significantly with 38 off 27 balls.
Mitchell Starc and Madhav Tiwari claimed two wickets each for Delhi, but the bowlers struggled to score high overall.
Victory rose Delhi’s morale as they remain in playoff contention, although qualification remains a difficult task. Currently seventh in the standings, DC take on Rajasthan Royals at home next Sunday in another must-win clash.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
May 12, 2026 10:47 AM IST
