Delhi Capitals Set Record Low for IPL Powerplay Total

The ongoing struggle of Delhi Capitals in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) reached a historical nadir on Monday, 27 April 2026, as the franchise recorded the lowest-ever score in a Powerplay during the tournament’s history. Facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the home side collapsed to a staggering 13 runs for the loss of 6 wickets within the opening six overs.

This performance follows a tumultuous week for the Delhi-based franchise. On Saturday, 25 April, Delhi Capitals were on the receiving end of a world-record chase when Punjab Kings successfully overhauled a target of 264 runs. That match set a new benchmark for the highest successful run chase in all recognised T20 cricket. Furthermore, during that fixture, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi sustained serious injuries to his head and neck whilst attempting a catch, necessitating his immediate transport from the field to a hospital via ambulance.

A Historic Collapse at the Arun Jaitley Stadium

The match on Monday began in an atmosphere of disbelief as the Delhi top order failed to contend with the opening bowling partnership of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. The two veteran seamers operated exclusively throughout the six-over Powerplay, delivering an exhibition of disciplined line and length that left the Capitals’ batting unit in disarray.

By the time the Powerplay concluded, Delhi Capitals had managed only 13 runs, eclipsing the previous unwanted record for the lowest Powerplay score in the IPL. The record was formerly shared by Sunrisers Hyderabad (set in the 2022 season) and Rajasthan Royals (set in 2009), both of whom had managed 14 runs in their respective matches.

The fall of wickets was rapid and systematic:

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 3 wickets.

• Josh Hazlewood: 3 wickets.

The individual scores of the first six batsmen provided a grim reflection of the collapse, reading like a sequence of digits: 0, 1, 1, 0, 5, and 0. Amongst the dismissals was the Capitals’ captain, Axar Patel, whose departure sparked exuberant celebrations from the RCB contingent.

Impact Player Intervention and Lowest Total Fears

With the score at 8 runs for 6 wickets at one stage, Delhi Capitals were in imminent danger of breaking the record for the lowest total in IPL history. That particular record is currently held by their opponents, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were dismissed for a mere 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2017 season.

In a tactical bid to avoid such a dismissal, the Delhi management utilised their Impact Player substitution earlier than anticipated, introducing batter Abishek Porel to steady the innings. Porel’s inclusion proved vital in navigating the side past the 50-run mark, thereby sparing the franchise from the absolute lowest scoring record.

Current Match Standing

As the match progressed into the middle overs, the Capitals attempted to reconstruct a viable total from the wreckage of the start. At the time of reporting, Delhi Capitals had reached a total of 64 runs for the loss of 8 wickets after 13 overs.

Abishek Porel remained the primary resistance, batting on an unbeaten 23, supported by Kuldeep Yadav on 1. Despite the lower-order fightback, the record-breaking Powerplay collapse has left the Capitals facing a monumental task to remain competitive in the fixture. The franchise now faces significant questions regarding its top-order stability as they navigate a season marred by both record-breaking defeats and significant player injuries.