Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinners put a kibosh on Delhi Capitals’ batters through the middle overs, and ensured they were held to 142 for 8; a total that was surpassed with 34 balls and 8 wickets in the tank, courtesy Finn Allen’s mesmerizing 47-ball century. The victory elevated the mid-season drama of IPL 2026 as KKR moved to the seventh spot on the points table to keep their qualification hopes alive, while spoiling Delhi Capitals’ chances a bit.
In the final analysis it would be hard to top a fiery hundred by Allen, but it would be imprudent to look past the stranglehold of the spinners in the middle overs, a phase that laid the foundation of the victory. Sunil Narine, especially, was brilliant, conceding only six runs for one wicket in those three overs in the middle, as he choked Delhi Capitals’ scoring, created opportunities, and completely seized the momentum of the contest in Kolkata Knight Riders’ favour.
While Kolkata Knight Riders will have a long break ahead of their next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Raipur, Delhi Capitals will fly to Dharmasala to take on Punjab Kings on Monday.
Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 142/8 in 20 overs [Pathum Nissanka 50 (29), Ashutosh Sharma 39 (28); Sunil Narine 1-17, Kartik Tyagi 2-25, Anukul Roy 2-31) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 147/2 in 14.2 overs [Finn Allen 100* (47), Cameron Green 33* (27); Axar Patel 1-27] by 8 wickets
