Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals: Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a stunning last-over heist against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match of IPL 2025. Thanks to Ashutosh Sharma’s explosive innings, DC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a pulsating encounter at Visakhapatnam.
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
Ashutosh Sharma’s Blitz Turns the Tide
At one point, DC seemed destined for defeat. Chasing 210, they were struggling at 116/6 after 13 overs, with the required rate climbing above 12 per over. Enter Ashutosh Sharma. The new DC recruit, who had gained a reputation as a dangerous finisher in IPL 2024, took center stage.
Initially slow, scoring 20 off 20 balls, Ashutosh exploded in the final overs. With 62 runs needed off 30 balls and only four wickets in hand, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries, hammering 46 runs off his next 11 balls. His fearless approach saw him dispatch LSG bowlers all over the park, taking DC to an improbable win with three balls to spare.
Debutant Vipraj Nigam Shines Under Pressure
Before Ashutosh’s heroics, DC found a surprise savior in debutant Vipraj Nigam. Walking in at No. 8 with 97 runs required from 45 balls, Nigam played a fearless knock of 39 off 15 balls, attacking spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed. His partnership with Ashutosh reignited DC’s hopes before he fell with 42 still needed.
Even after Nigam’s dismissal, Ashutosh kept the chase alive. He smashed Bishnoi for consecutive boundaries, reducing the equation to 22 off 12 balls. When Kuldeep Yadav was run out trying to get Ashutosh back on strike, DC’s last pair was in the middle. But Ashutosh remained unfazed, hitting the final two balls of the penultimate over for a six and a four to bring DC to the brink.
Nail-Biting Final Over Drama
With six runs needed in the last over, No. 11 Mohit Sharma faced the first delivery. He survived a close LBW call on review and managed a single, bringing Ashutosh back on strike. The DC dugout erupted when he smashed Shahbaz Ahmed straight down the ground for a massive six, sealing a dramatic victory.
LSG’s Strong Start Fades Away
Earlier, LSG’s innings was powered by blistering knocks from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36). The duo dominated DC’s bowlers, taking LSG to 161/2 in just 13 overs. Pooran, particularly ruthless against spin, dismantled Tristan Stubbs, plundering 28 runs in a single over.
With LSG on track for a total beyond 240, DC desperately needed a breakthrough. Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc rose to the occasion, triggering a collapse that saw LSG lose six wickets for just 48 runs in the final seven overs. Starc’s deadly yorkers removed Pooran and Shahbaz Ahmed, while Kuldeep dismissed Ayush Badoni and captain Rishabh Pant, who fell for a six-ball duck.
Shardul Thakur and LSG’s Dream Start with the Ball
Defending 209, LSG’s bowlers made early inroads. Shardul Thakur, a late IPL replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan, struck twice in his first over, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel. M Siddharth then removed Sameer Rizvi, reducing DC to a disastrous 7/3 inside two overs.
Axar Patel (captain) and Faf du Plessis steadied the innings, adding 43 runs in quick time, but both fell before the halfway mark. DC were floundering at 65/5, staring at defeat, before Ashutosh and Nigam staged their heroic comeback.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Ashutosh Sharma’s match-winning knock reaffirmed his reputation as a clutch performer.
- Vipraj Nigam’s fearless debut provided DC with a much-needed late-order boost.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc’s impact spells derailed LSG’s batting onslaught.
- Shardul Thakur’s early breakthroughs put DC on the back foot from the start.
Final Thoughts
Delhi Capitals’ thrilling one-wicket victory over LSG will go down as one of IPL 2025’s most memorable matches. Ashutosh Sharma’s breathtaking finish and Vipraj Nigam’s explosive debut ensured DC’s campaign began with a bang. For LSG, the loss highlighted the need for a stronger finish after an explosive start.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this high-octane clash, with DC riding high on momentum and LSG seeking to tighten their game in crunch moments.
