Purani Dilli 6 will look to register their first points in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 when they take on defending champions West Delhi Lions in their second group-stage fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The match follows a narrow four-wicket defeat to Central Delhi Kings in the tournament opener — a loss that, despite the result, offered the side several reasons for optimism.

Rawat's Century Sets the Tone

The standout moment from Purani Dilli 6's opening clash was skipper Anuj Rawat's unbeaten century, which arrived at a critical juncture with his side reeling at 30 for 3. Rawat forged a commanding 132-run partnership with Dev Lakra to lift the innings to a competitive 202 for 4 — a total that underlined the team's batting depth even in adversity.

'Personally, I am happy with the way I batted and it's always special to score a century,' Rawat said in a statement released by the franchise on Sunday. 'Of course, it would have felt even better if the team had won the match because, in the end, team success matters the most. The good thing is that I am in good rhythm, and I want to carry this form into the next game,' he added.

Dressing Room Stays Positive

Rawat indicated that the squad has already identified and worked on its weak areas ahead of the Lions clash. 'The dressing room is positive, and everyone believes we played a lot of good cricket in the first match. There were plenty of positives to take away, and we have worked on the areas where we can improve,' he said.

The skipper made clear that an aggressive, fearless approach will define the team's strategy going forward. 'We are fully focused on the match against West Delhi Lions and are determined to put in a strong all-round performance. The aim is simple — to play fearless cricket and get our first win of the season,' Rawat stated.

The West Delhi Lions Challenge

Standing in Purani Dilli 6's path are the West Delhi Lions, the reigning DPL champions and a side that carries the weight of expectation into every fixture. Defending champions typically enter the second week of a tournament with settled combinations and tactical clarity — making Monday's contest a stern early test of Purani Dilli 6's resilience and depth.

Notably, high-scoring encounters have already become a feature of this edition of the DPL, with the tournament opener producing a 200-plus target. Conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium are expected to continue favouring batters, which could place a premium on the Lions' bowling attack to contain Rawat and his in-form batting unit.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on whether Rawat can carry his century momentum into back-to-back games, and whether Purani Dilli 6's bowlers — who conceded the match against Central Delhi Kings — show improvement. A win here would not only open the team's account but also send a message to the rest of the field that the four-wicket defeat was an anomaly rather than a pattern.