Josh Hazlewood’s Stellar Bowling Performance in IPL 2026
Josh Hazlewood delivered a standout bowling performance during the 2026 IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The game saw RCB opting to bowl first, and Hazlewood immediately made his mark with a remarkable display of skill and precision.
Hazlewood took the crucial wicket of KL Rahul on his very first delivery. The ball was a short one that landed outside the off stump area. Rahul attempted to pull the ball but lost control, resulting in a high catch that was easily taken by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. This early success set the tone for Hazlewood’s impactful performance.
The next ball was even more impressive. Hazlewood bowled a good length delivery outside off. Sameer Rizvi tried to play a big shot away from his body, but the ball moved slightly and took the edge. Jitesh Sharma once again proved his reliability behind the stumps, taking another easy catch. With two wickets in two balls, Hazlewood was on the verge of a hat-trick, which marked a significant turning point in the game.
This moment changed the dynamics of the match early on. The sudden pressure faced by Delhi Capitals came as a major shock to their players. Hazlewood showcased his T20 fast bowling excellence through his precise execution in the match.
Delhi Capitals’ Struggles and Match Scenario
Delhi Capitals faced a disastrous start to their innings. The team failed to build any meaningful partnerships after losing their initial wickets. Debutant Sahil Parakh faced just two balls before being dismissed for zero during Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling. KL Rahul managed only one run from three balls before falling to Hazlewood. Sameer Rizvi also fell for zero on the next ball.
Tristan Stubbs attempted to make some runs and scored five from three balls, but he was eventually dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Captain Axar Patel was also out for zero after failing to score. Nitish Rana was on one run, while Abishek Porel had yet to score.
At 7 runs for 5 wickets in just 2.4 overs, Delhi Capitals were in serious trouble. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled exceptionally well, taking three wickets while allowing only two runs in his 1.4 overs. Hazlewood contributed with two wickets for five runs in one over.
The remaining players, such as David Miller, still had to bat. The damage caused by Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar early in the game made it increasingly difficult for Delhi Capitals to recover. Their batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure, leading to a challenging situation for the team.
