Josh Hazlewood’s Bowling Masterclass Leaves Delhi Capitals in Historic IPL Collapse

In a match that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, the Delhi Capitals suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, collapsing to a record-low total of 75 all out against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, April 27, 2026. At the heart of this batting disaster was Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, whose spellbinding performance left the Capitals reeling and etched his name into IPL folklore.

The Match That Broke Records—and Batsmen

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed a bowling clinic unlike any other in IPL history. Chasing a modest target of 180 set by RCB, the Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup imploded in spectacular fashion, losing eight wickets for just six runs at one stage. Their final total of 75 was the lowest in their IPL history and one of the most embarrassing in the tournament’s 19-year existence.

The collapse was so swift and dramatic that it left even the most seasoned cricket analysts stunned. “I don’t recognize what happened out there,” admitted Hazlewood post-match, reflecting on the Capitals’ sudden capitulation. “We stuck to our plans, and the ball did the rest. It was one of those days where everything clicked.”

Hazlewood’s Bowling Clinic: A Masterclass in Fast Bowling

Josh Hazlewood’s figures of 4/12 in four overs were nothing short of sensational. The Australian pacer dismantled the Capitals’ top order with precision, accuracy, and relentless pressure. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his immaculate line and length, left the Capitals’ batsmen clueless and helpless.

Hazlewood’s spell included the wickets of key Capitals batsmen, including Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, and Rishabh Pant, all of whom were dismissed for single-digit scores. His final over, which yielded just two runs and two wickets, was a testament to his mastery over the craft of fast bowling.

“Hazlewood was unplayable today. He bowled with fire and control, and we just couldn’t handle it. Credit to him and RCB for executing their plans perfectly.”

— Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant

The “Curse of April 27” Strikes Again

Adding a layer of irony to the Capitals’ humiliation was the date of the match: April 27. For Delhi fans, this date carries a haunting significance. Exactly 15 years ago, on April 27, 2011, the Delhi Daredevils (as they were then known) suffered a similarly catastrophic collapse, being bowled out for 95 against the Mumbai Indians. The coincidence was not lost on social media, where fans and pundits quickly dubbed the latest disaster the “Curse of April 27.”

“It’s eerie how history repeats itself,” said former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, who played for Delhi during the 2011 collapse. “The Capitals will need to put this behind them quickly and focus on the rest of the tournament. One bad day shouldn’t define their season.”

Virat Kohli’s Milestone Amid the Chaos

While the Capitals were crumbling, RCB’s Virat Kohli was quietly scripting his own piece of history. The former Indian captain, who has been in sublime form in IPL 2026, scored a crucial 67 runs off 45 balls to propel RCB to a competitive total. With this innings, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in IPL history, a milestone that was overshadowed by the Capitals’ batting debacle.

“It’s an honor to break Sachin’s record, but today was about the team’s performance,” Kohli said after the match. “We wanted to put up a good total, and the bowlers did the rest. Hazlewood was outstanding.”

Delhi Capitals’ Unwanted Records

The Capitals’ collapse on Monday night was not just a loss—it was a statistical nightmare. Here are some of the unwanted records they set:

• Lowest team total in IPL 2026: 75 all out.
• Second-lowest total in Delhi Capitals’ IPL history: Only their 66 all out against Mumbai Indians in 2017 was worse.
• Worst collapse in IPL history: Lost 8 wickets for 6 runs in a single spell.
• First team to be bowled out for under 100 in IPL 2026.

The Capitals’ batting lineup, which boasts names like Shai Hope, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, failed to fire on all cylinders. The middle order, in particular, was non-existent, with no batsman crossing the 20-run mark.

What’s Next for Delhi Capitals?

The Capitals’ humiliation at the hands of RCB has left them in a precarious position in the IPL 2026 standings. With only a handful of matches remaining, they will need to regroup quickly if they hope to qualify for the playoffs. Their next match is against the Chennai Super Kings on May 1, a game that now carries even greater significance.

“We need to learn from this and move forward,” said Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting. “It was a poor performance, and we take full responsibility. We’ll be working hard to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Josh Hazlewood’s spell (4/12) was one of the best in IPL history, dismantling the Capitals’ batting lineup with precision and control.
• Delhi Capitals’ 75 all out is their second-lowest total in IPL history and the lowest of IPL 2026.
• Virat Kohli became the highest run-scorer in IPL history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record during the match.
• The “Curse of April 27” struck again, with the Capitals suffering a historic collapse on the same date as their 2011 disaster.
• RCB’s comprehensive victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, while the Capitals face an uphill battle to qualify.

FAQs

1. What were Josh Hazlewood’s bowling figures in the match against Delhi Capitals?

Josh Hazlewood finished with figures of 4 wickets for 12 runs in his four-over spell, playing a pivotal role in RCB’s victory.

2. What is the lowest total in Delhi Capitals’ IPL history?

The lowest total in Delhi Capitals’ IPL history is 66 all out, which they recorded against the Mumbai Indians in 2017. Their 75 all out against RCB in 2026 is their second-lowest total.

3. Who holds the record for the highest run-scorer in IPL history?

As of April 27, 2026, Virat Kohli holds the record for the highest run-scorer in IPL history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar during the match against Delhi Capitals.

4. What is the “Curse of April 27”?

The “Curse of April 27” refers to the coincidence of the Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) suffering historic batting collapses on April 27 in both 2011 and 2026. In 2011, they were bowled out for 95 against Mumbai Indians, and in 2026, they collapsed to 75 all out against RCB.

5. What are Delhi Capitals’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs after this loss?

The Capitals’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs have taken a significant hit after this loss. They will need to win their remaining matches convincingly and rely on other teams’ results to have any hope of advancing.

Conclusion: A Night to Forget for Delhi Capitals

Monday, April 27, 2026, will go down as one of the darkest days in Delhi Capitals’ IPL history. Their batting collapse against RCB was not just a loss—it was a humiliation, a statistical anomaly, and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket. While Josh Hazlewood and Virat Kohli stole the show with their individual brilliance, the Capitals’ performance was a stark contrast to the high standards they have set for themselves in recent years.

As the tournament enters its final stretch, the Capitals will need to find a way to bounce back from this disaster. For RCB, this victory is a timely boost, keeping their playoff hopes alive. One thing is certain: this match will be talked about for years to approach, not just for Hazlewood’s bowling masterclass, but for the sheer scale of the Capitals’ collapse.