![Mitchell Starc. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778509689120_MitchellStarc.jpg?type=hq)
Mitchell Starc. [Source - AFP]
Mitchell Starc has long been known as the king of the first over, dominating with the new ball across formats. His expertise in T20 cricket and IPL spells has often turned matches, giving teams early momentum and crucial breakthroughs.
In the IPL, Starc’s mastery with the new ball has been a key factor for the teams he has played. His opening spells have helped control games, strike early, and contribute to winning titles. His ability to make the first six balls count is unmatched.
Yet even the best bowlers face off-days. Every career has lows, and Mitchell Starc experienced one of those rare moments during a high-stakes IPL 2026 league stage game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, leaving fans stunned.
Mitchell Starc Conceded 22 Runs in First Over Against Punjab Kings
Mitchell Starc took the new ball after Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first in Match 55 of IPL 2026. Punjab Kings, known for not taking time to go big with the bat, attacked from the very first delivery in Dharamsala’s mountainous setting.
Priyansh Arya started the assault with a six over cover point on the first ball. Starc managed a couple of dot balls but then gave away 5 wides, followed by a six and a boundary from Prabhsimran Singh, finishing the over at 22 runs.
Before this match, Punjab Kings’ openers were already the most destructive opening pair in IPL 2026, scoring more than 14 runs per over together. Even with Starc’s reputation as a new-ball specialist, the young openers dominated, producing a career-low first over for the Australian star.
Also Read: Revealed: Why Is Kuldeep Yadav Not Playing IPL 2026 Match Against Punjab Kings?
Mitchell Starc's Most Expensive First Over in His T20 Career
Mitchell Starc gave away 22 runs against Punjab Kings in his very first over of the innings in Dharamshala. For a bowler renowned for his mastery with the new ball, conceding so heavily in the opening over is extremely rare.
Even in the IPL and T20Is, Starc does not concede so much in the first over. That makes this occurrence a record-breaking moment, the most runs Starc has ever conceded in the first over of a T20 innings, highlighting how Punjab Kings' openers dominated him.
Most Runs Conceded by Mitchell Starc in the 1st Over of a T20 Innings
- 22 (DC) vs Punjab Kings, Dharamsala, 2026*
- 15 (KKR) vs Delhi Capitals, Kolkata, 2024
- 14 (RCB) vs Punjab Kings, Mohali, 2015
- 14 (Australia) vs New Zealand, Sydney, 2022
- 14 (Australia) vs West Indies, Carrara, 2022
Before tonight, Starc’s previous first-over records were impressive but far smaller. The 22-run over now tops his career list, surpassing 15 runs against KKR in 2024 and 14-run overs in IPL 2015 and international T20 matches, showing the rarity of such a start.
Also Read: ICC Unveils Annual Rankings; India At Top, Pakistan Slip
Mitchell Starc Faces the IPL Heat
Mitchell Starc arrived late for IPL 2026, which has hurt Delhi Capitals as they are nearly out of playoff contention. The left-arm pacer took 3 wickets in his first three games, winning only one, and faced a tough start in the fourth match.
Going for 22 runs in the first over highlights the pressure Starc has faced in the IPL. Notably two of his previous expensive first overs were in IPL games, the last two came internationally. Despite struggles, he remains a big match player when the team needs him most.
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