New Delhi, 01 August (H.S.): The Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 got off to a thrilling start at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday night, with Central Delhi Kings defeating Purani Delhi 6 by four wickets, overshadowing a magnificent unbeaten century by skipper Anuj Rawat.

Ahead of the opening match, the spectators were treated to colourful performances by renowned singers Sukhbir Singh and Sunanda Sharma, adding to the festive atmosphere at the stadium.

Opting to bat first, Purani Delhi 6 endured a poor start, losing three wickets for just 30 runs within the first five overs. Captain Anuj Rawat then steadied the innings alongside Dev Lakra, with the duo putting together a crucial 132-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Dev Lakra played a composed knock of 53 runs off 37 balls, while Rawat led from the front with a superb unbeaten 105 off 59 deliveries. His innings featured 11 boundaries and five sixes. After receiving a lifeline on 99, Rawat reached the first century of the DPL 2026 season on the very next delivery. Riding on his outstanding knock, Purani Delhi 6 posted a formidable total of 202 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing 203 for victory, Central Delhi Kings made an aggressive start. Captain Yash Dhull and Siddharth Juneja added 65 runs for the opening wicket in just 4.5 overs. Juneja scored 23 off 14 balls before being dismissed, while Yugal Saini contributed a brisk 22 from 16 deliveries.

Yash Dhull continued the momentum with an impressive captain's innings, scoring 72 runs off 45 balls. After his dismissal, Vansh Bedi played a valuable cameo of 28 runs from just 13 deliveries, bringing his side within touching distance of the target.

The contest went down to the wire in the closing stages. Keshav Dabas held his nerve under pressure and struck consecutive boundaries off the final two deliveries of the penultimate over, reducing the equation to just three runs in the last over.

Jasveer Sehrawat then completed the chase by scoring the winning runs, sealing a four-wicket victory for Central Delhi Kings and giving the team a winning start to its DPL 2026 campaign.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar