South Delhi Superstarz clinch DPL 2026 title

New Delhi: South Delhi Superstarz clinched their maiden Delhi Premier League (DPL) title, beating Central Delhi Kings in the final to become the third different champion in three years of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA)'s apex T20 league.

The match between the sides that occupied the top two spots in the points table after the league phase was expected to be closely fought encounter but South Delhi won it in a canter by seven wickets and 10 balls to spare.

Yash Dhull's departure to North Zone squad has dealt a blow to Central Delhi Kings top order and they have been failing to get the starts they were while he was around. It depended largely on Siddharth Joon of late. However, Joon failed twice in a row but Samarth Singh -- Dhull's replacement -- shouldered the responsibility with 51 off 27 balls and added valuable 82 runs for the second wicket with Yugal Saini (32 off 29 balls). The score at the time of his dismissal was 88 in 9.2 overs but then wickets pulled them back.

They reached their 100 in 12.3 overs for the loss of three wickets. The 150 came in only the 17th over. Only Jonty Sidhu (36 off 19 balls, 2x4s, 3x6s) showed gumption to fight but his knock was nipped in the bud.

The South Delhi Superstarz bowlers kept the back-end perfect and barring two beamers by Anshuman Hooda (1/28) to Aditya Bhandari in the 15th and 17th overs, following which he removed, it was as good as flawless. Pace bowler Divansh Rawat was the pick of the bowlers with 3/17 while Vision Panchal took 2/17. 

The 183-run target was a cakewalk for South Delhi Superstarz. Opener Anmol Sharma, coming off a 67 in the Qualifier 1, scored 62 off 41 balls (6x4s, 3x6s) to lead the charge. No. 3 Ankit Dabas hit 62 not out off 34 balls while skipper Tejasvi Dahiya, boosted by IPL experience, hit 33 off 18 balls.

South Delhi Superstarz celebrate after their title win

Speaking to the media after the match, Ankit Dabas said, “When I went in to bat, my priority was to assess what the team required. If an early wicket falls, my job is to provide stability and keep one end secure. But once I realised how good the pitch was and saw scoring opportunities, I shifted gears and played my shots. I was confident we could pull off the win."

He also credited Tejasvi Dahiya on his captaincy.

“Tejasvi led the side exceptionally well his bowling rotations and tactical changes at key moments were spot on. Having played in the IPL last year, he brought invaluable experience and maturity into our dressing room. Even when conditions turned tricky and the ball started spinning, he finished the game in a flash. He is truly one of the best in this league,” he said.

Tags : DPL, Delhi Premier League, South Delhi Superstarz, Central Delhi Kings, Jonty Sidhu, Tejasvi Dahiya, Anmol Sharma, Divansh Rawat, Ankit Dabas, Vision Panchal