Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off an incredible one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match of IPL 2025. In a high-scoring and nerve-wracking game, DC chased down 210 runs with just three balls to spare.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Magic Moment
Ashutosh Sharma was struggling at first, scoring only 20 runs off 20 balls. But with 62 runs needed off 30 balls and just four wickets in hand, he flipped the switch. He smashed 46 runs in his next 11 balls, taking DC to a sensational win. He finished unbeaten on 66, sealing victory with a powerful six down the ground.
Match Summary:
- Delhi Capitals: 211/9 (Ashutosh 66*, Nigam 39, Stubbs 34; Rathi 2-31, Siddharth 2-39, Bishnoi 2-53)
- Lucknow Super Giants: 209/8 (Pooran 75, Marsh 72; Starc 3-42, Kuldeep 2-20)
- Result: DC won by one wicket.
A Tough Start for DC
LSG’s bowlers tore through DC’s top order. Shardul Thakur took two big wickets in his first over, reducing DC to 7 for 3. Despite brief resistance from captain Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis, DC struggled at 65 for 5.
Vipraj Nigam’s Surprise Show
Debutant Vipraj Nigam, batting at number 8, gave hope to DC fans. He smashed 39 off just 15 balls, lighting up the chase. His fearless batting against Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed kept DC in the game. Although he got out with 42 runs still needed, he set the stage for Ashutosh.
LSG’s Powerful Batting Display
Earlier, LSG looked unstoppable. Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran put on a fiery partnership, adding 87 runs in just 42 balls. Marsh scored 72 off 36 balls, while Pooran blasted 75 off 30 balls. Pooran’s 28-run over against Stubbs, featuring four consecutive sixes and a boundary, was the highlight of the innings.
A Strong Comeback by DC Bowlers
LSG was 161 for 2 at one stage and looked on track for 250. But DC’s bowlers fought back. Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc took key wickets. Starc dismissed Pooran, and Kuldeep got Rishabh Pant out cheaply. In the final overs, LSG could manage only 33 runs while losing six wickets. David Miller’s two late sixes pushed them to 209.
The Final Moments
The game went down to the last over. With six needed off six balls and one wicket in hand, Mohit Sharma survived an LBW review and managed a single. Then Ashutosh Sharma finished the match with a huge six, sparking wild celebrations in the DC camp.
What They Said
- Ashutosh Sharma: “I just wanted to stay calm and back my shots. Happy I could finish it.”
- Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain): “We thought we had enough runs, but Ashutosh played brilliantly.”
