Delhi Capitals (DC) delivered a commanding performance under the lights at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium tonight, securing a decisive eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 40th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Having won the toss and opted to field, the Capitals’ disciplined bowling unit orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, restricting a previously free-scoring LSG side to a season-low total of 159. This proved to be well within reach for the DC batsmen, who chased down the target with impressive composure and authority.
The LSG innings began explosively, with their dynamic opening pair, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, setting a blistering pace. The duo constructed a formidable 87-run partnership in just 10 overs, threatening to establish a platform for a substantial total. However, the introduction of Dushmantha Chameera into the DC attack proved to be a masterstroke. Replacing Mohit Sharma, Chameera provided the crucial breakthrough by dismissing the well-set Markram for a well-compiled 52.
This pivotal wicket triggered a significant shift in momentum. The Capitals’ bowlers seized the initiative, tightening their lines and lengths and picking up wickets at regular intervals, effectively stifling the LSG scoring rate. Mitchell Starc accounted for the dangerous Nicholas Pooran, while Mukesh Kumar delivered a game-changing over, claiming the wickets of both Abdul Samad and the well-established Marsh (45).
A late surge from impact player Ayush Badoni, who contributed a quickfire 36 off 21 deliveries, and David Miller (14 off 15) offered some resistance for LSG. However, Mukesh Kumar returned to haunt the home side in the final over, bagging two more wickets to restrict LSG to a disappointing 159 within their allotted 20 overs. This total represented LSG’s lowest score of the season, a stark contrast to their promising start, highlighting their failure to capitalise on their strong opening partnership in the crucial middle and late overs.
In reply, the visitors commenced their chase with a measured approach, accumulating 54 runs in the powerplay while only losing the wicket of Karun Nair. Abhishek Poral, displaying elegant strokeplay, found a reliable partner in KL Rahul. The pair forged a crucial 69-run stand, with Poral reaching his maiden half-century of the season, showcasing his growing confidence at the top of the order.
Even after Poral’s dismissal, the Capitals maintained their strong momentum. The dynamic Axar Patel joined Rahul at the crease and injected further impetus into the innings with a counter-attacking approach. Rahul, meanwhile, also accelerated his scoring rate, reaching his half-century in style and achieving a significant milestone by becoming the fastest player in IPL history to reach 5000 runs, accomplishing this feat in a mere 130 innings. The unbroken duo added a further 50 runs, effectively sealing a comfortable victory for the Capitals. Axar remained unbeaten on a rapid 32 off just 18 balls, providing the finishing touches with aggressive intent.
The contrasting fortunes of the two sides in the latter halves of their respective innings proved to be the defining factor of the match. While LSG struggled to build crucial partnerships and accelerate their scoring after the initial breakthrough, DC navigated the chase with a blend of composure and aggression, never allowing the LSG bowlers to dictate terms. The LSG bowling attack lacked the penetration to provide crucial breakthroughs and stem the flow of runs.
Ultimately, Mukesh Kumar was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance, claiming four crucial wickets for 33 runs. His key dismissals at critical junctures effectively derailed the LSG innings after their explosive start, paving the way for DC to bounce back emphatically and secure a comfortable victory. This win provides a significant boost to DC’s campaign as they continue their quest for a playoff berth. Notably, this marks the fifth instance in the franchise’s history where they have won six out of their first eight matches in a season (previously achieved in 2009, 2012, 2020, and 2021), and on all four previous occasions, they successfully qualified for the Playoffs.
Scorecard:
Lucknow Super Giants: 159-6, Overs 20, Aiden Markram 52, Mukesh Kumar 4/33
Delhi Capitals: 161-2, Overs 17.5, KL Rahul 57*, Aiden Markram 2/30