IPL 2026: Axar Patel fined for slow over-rate after PBKS vs DC

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined Rs 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on Monday, May 11. The penalty came despite Delhi pulling off a thrilling three-wicket victory to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

The IPL confirmed the sanction in an official media advisory 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 Match No. 55 of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Punjab Kings,” the statement said.

The league further clarified that this was Delhi Capitals’ first over-rate offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate violations. As a result, Axar received a financial penalty of Rs 12 lakh.

While the fine will be a minor setback, Axar would take greater satisfaction from Delhi’s dramatic win in a must-win encounter.

Axar and Miller rescue Delhi in tense chase

Chasing a formidable 211-run target, Delhi Capitals found themselves in serious trouble at 74 for 4 after Punjab Kings made early inroads. However, captain Axar led from the front with a composed yet aggressive 56, stabilising the innings when his side desperately needed momentum.

David Miller then provided the finishing punch with a counter-attacking 51 as Delhi clawed their way back into the contest. Contributions from Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari ensured the chase was completed in just 19 overs, with DC finishing on 216 for 7.

Earlier, Punjab Kings had posted 210 for 5 after a strong batting performance. Priyansh Arya gave them a flying start with a 33-ball 56, while Prabhsimran Singh chipped in with 18 in a 78-run opening stand.

After the openers departed, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 59 off 36 deliveries. Cooper Connolly also made an important contribution with 38 off 27 balls.

Mitchell Starc and Madhav Tiwari claimed two wickets apiece for Delhi, but the bowlers struggled overall in a high-scoring contest.

The victory lifted Delhi’s morale as they remain in the playoff hunt, though qualification remains a difficult task. Currently seventh in the standings, DC will next face Rajasthan Royals at home on Sunday in another must-win clash.

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