DPL 2026: Bhandari, Khurana Star In Central Delhi’s 30-run Win Over East Delhi

DPL 2026: Bhandari, Khurana star in Central Delhi’s 30-run win over East Delhi (Image Source: IANS)

Central Delhi Kings: Aditya Bhandari's blistering half-century and a disciplined effort from spinner Gavnish Khurana propelled Central Delhi Kings to a clinical 30-run victory over East Delhi Riders in the 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) game.

Opting to bat, Central Delhi Kings recovered from an early top-order collapse to post a competitive 179 in 19.5 overs, before Khurana choked East Delhi Riders' chase to restrict them to 149/7 in 20 overs.

The Kings got off to a disastrous start as pacer Simarjeet Singh struck twice in quick succession - removing in-form openers Siddharth Joon and Yash Dhull to leave them reeling at 14/3 inside the powerplay.

Jonty Sidhu (41 off 28 balls) and Keshav Dabas (18 off 23 balls) momentarily steadied the ship with a 54-run fourth-wicket stand. However, the departure of Dabas triggered another slide, leaving the burden on Sidhu, who was eventually dismissed after playing a brisk knock.

With the Kings in dire straits, Bhandari turned the game on its head with a sensational counter-attacking knock. The middle-order batter took the opposition attack to the cleaners by smashing an explosive 63 off just 29 deliveries.

Wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi provided the late flourish with a quickfire 14-ball 27 to take the side to 179 before they were bowled out in the final over. Simarjeet was the standout bowler for the Riders, returning with impressive figures of 3-29 in his four-over spell.

With the Kings in dire straits, Bhandari turned the game on its head with a sensational counter-attacking knock. The middle-order batter took the opposition attack to the cleaners by smashing an explosive 63 off just 29 deliveries.

But Khurana (3-28) struck at crucial junctures to trigger a collapse from which East Delhi Riders could never truly recover. None of the lower-order batters could keep up with the required run rate as Central Delhi Kings, who have already qualified for the playoffs, comfortably sealed the contest.

Article Source: IANS