In a game where 419 runs were plundered, it came down to a single, agonizing miss. The Gujarat Titans finally opened their account in IPL 2026, defeating the Delhi Capitals by just one run at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The match unfolded as a tense battle of mind games and explosive stroke play. GT’s top-order, strengthened by the comeback of Shubman Gill and a classic Jos Buttler performance, piled up a formidable 210. Yet it was the composure of Prasidh Krishna under pressure and the brilliance of Rashid Khan that ultimately shut down a spirited DC fightback driven by KL Rahul.
With 13 runs required from the last over, the stadium erupted into a deafening roar. David Miller, who had earlier retired hurt in the 14th over due to a hand injury before returning with a blockbuster mindset, appeared destined to be the match-winner.
Setup: Miller bludgeoned a monster six off the fourth ball of the 20th over, leaving DC needing just 2 runs from 2 balls.
Refusal: Off the penultimate ball, Miller pulled the ball toward fine leg. It was an easy single that would have tied the scores. Inexplicably, Miller sent Kuldeep Yadav back, choosing to take the final ball himself.
Denouement: Prasidh Krishna delivered a perfect, slower bouncer. Miller swung and missed. In a desperate scramble for a bye, Jos Buttler threw down the stumps to run out Kuldeep, sealing a one-run win for the visitors.
While the batters provided the fireworks, Rashid Khan reminded everyone why he is T20 royalty. With DC rampant and well over 100 inside 10 overs, Rashid took the ball and turned the game on its head in a single over.
Nitish Rana: Miscued a googly to a diving Sai Sudharsan.
Sameer Rizvi: The impact sensation was bamboozled by a ripping wrong-un, losing his off-stump for a golden duck.
Axar Patel: Sliced a delivery to cover, leaving DC’s middle order in tatters.
I’m happy that I’m not in Miller's position. But it was good that he didn’t take that single. I was in the same position in the last game and couldn’t finish it.
Rashid Khan, Player of the Match
The Titans’ innings was anchored by three crucial half-centuries. Jos Buttler played with freedom, smashing four sixes in his first 15 balls to quiet doubts about his recent form. He received steady support from a calm Shubman Gill, back from injury, and a dynamic Washington Sundar. Elevated to No. 4, Sundar registered his maiden IPL fifty, taking apart the DC spinners, particularly Vipraj Nigam, with fearless hitting toward the cow corner.
Captain’s fine: Shubman Gill was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate. This resulted in an in-game penalty where GT could only place four fielders in the deep for the final over.
KL Rahul’s redemption: After two low scores, Rahul played a fun, free, and fearless knock of 92, terrorizing the GT pacers before falling to Mohammed Siraj.
Miller’s misery: Miller has now seen two major heartbreaks in final-over chases (including the 2024 T20 World Cup final), a trend he will be desperate to break.
Rizvi’s streak ends: Sameer Rizvi’s record-tying run of three consecutive Player-of-the-Match awards was snapped by Rashid Khan’s opening-ball googly.
Gujarat Titans secured their first points of the season by the skin of their teeth. While their top order has finally clicked, their reliance on a single bowler, Rashid to provide middle-overs control is a recurring theme. For Delhi Capitals, this was a game of what ifs. Had Miller taken the single or had Rahul stayed for one more over, they would likely be 3-0. Instead, they head into their next fixture knowing that in this game, humble singles are often more valuable than monster sixes.
