Delhi Capitals (DC) 188/5 (Porel 49, Rahul 38, Stubbs 34, Axar 34) tie with Rajasthan Royals (RR) 188/4 (Rana 51, Jaiswal 51, Samson 31, Axar 1-23, Starc 1-36). DC wins Super Over.
Match Highlights:
In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Delhi Capitals pulled off a dramatic Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals, who were on the brink of victory with nine runs needed from the final over and six wickets in hand. However, Mitchell Starc had other plans. The Aussie bowler delivered a sensational over, full of pinpoint yorkers, limiting RR to just 11 runs off the last three overs. The game went into a Super Over after Dhruv Jurel couldn’t find the two runs needed from the last ball.
Super Over Drama
In the Super Over, RR fell apart, lasting just five balls. They lost two key batters—Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal—to run outs. DC chased down the 12-run target in just four deliveries, with Tristan Stubbs playing a key role, hitting Sandeep Sharma for a six to seal the win.
DC’s Stellar Finish
Although DC’s innings started slow, they managed to score 42 runs in the last three overs, thanks to important contributions from Axar Patel (34 off 14 balls) and Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 34* off 18 balls. Stubbs’ crucial knock helped DC set a competitive total after an early collapse. RR were in the game, but Starc’s brilliance turned the tide in DC’s favor.
Rana and Jaiswal Shine for RR
RR’s chase seemed comfortable, with Nitish Rana (51 off 31) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 34) putting them on track. However, RR couldn’t finish well. Despite a strong start, they faltered in the final overs, with Starc bowling crucial yorkers to restrict the run flow. The situation worsened when captain Sanju Samson retired hurt with a side injury after hitting back-to-back boundaries earlier in the game.
The Critical Moments:
- Jaiswal vs Starc: Jaiswal dominated Starc early, hitting him for a four, six, and another four in the first over. However, Starc regained control later, preventing RR from finishing strong.
- RR’s Final Over: With 9 runs needed from 6 balls, Starc’s unplayable yorkers put RR in a difficult spot. Jurel and Hetmyer couldn’t manage to find boundaries, and RR fell short in the chase.
DC’s Middle-Order Surge
After a slow start from openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (duck) and Karun Nair (3-ball duck), DC found their footing. Abishek Porel’s early attack and Rahul’s steady 38 laid a foundation. Axar Patel’s quick 34 off 14 balls injected the momentum, which was carried forward by Stubbs in the death overs.
Key Contributions:
- DC: Axar Patel (34 off 14), Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18), and Porel (49 off 31).
- RR: Nitish Rana (51 off 31), Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 34).
Starc’s Heroics
Mitchell Starc’s ability to bowl in the death overs under pressure was crucial for DC. His brilliant yorkers in the final over and Super Over helped them win this nail-biting contest.
Looking Ahead
With this win, DC moved to the top of the points table, with five wins from six games. RR, on the other hand, will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
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