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In an electrifying clash at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on March 24, 2025, the Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a single wicket in the fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chasing a formidable 210, DC showcased resilience and flair, with impact substitute Ashutosh Sharma emerging as the hero of the night.
LSG Sets a Challenging Target
Opting to bat first after DC captain Axar Patel won the toss, LSG posted a robust 209/8 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive knocks from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30 balls) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36 balls), who dominated the DC bowling attack early on. However, a late fightback from DC’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/20), restricted LSG’s momentum. Rishabh Pant, making his debut as LSG captain, fell for a six-ball duck, adding pressure on the middle order.
DC’s Rocky Start and Stunning Recovery
DC’s chase got off to a disastrous start, crumbling to 7/3 in the first over as Shardul Thakur struck twice, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel. Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel soon followed, leaving DC reeling at 65/5. The game seemed slipping away until Ashutosh Sharma (66* off 31 balls) and debutant Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15 balls) ignited a sensational counterattack. Their 55-run partnership revived DC’s hopes, with Ashutosh’s five fours and five sixes turning the tide.
A Nail-Biting Finish
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, Ashutosh held his nerve, smashing a massive six off Shahbaz Ahmed in the 19th over to seal a dramatic one-wicket victory with three balls to spare. DC finished at 211/9, marking their highest successful chase in IPL history and the first time a 200-plus target was chased against LSG.
Key Moments and Standouts
- Marsh and Pooran’s Fireworks: Their 147-run partnership off 66 balls set the tone for LSG’s imposing total.
- Starc’s Comeback: After an expensive start, Starc’s three wickets, including Pooran’s, swung the momentum.
- Ashutosh’s Heroics: Named Player of the Match, Ashutosh dedicated his stunning knock to mentor Shikhar Dhawan, highlighting his growth from last season’s near-misses.
- Pant’s Duck: LSG’s Rs 27 crore buy disappointed in his first outing, adding intrigue to his captaincy stint.
Post-Match Reflections
LSG captain Rishabh Pant admitted his team left 15-20 runs on the table and rued early bowling lapses despite Shardul’s dream start. DC’s Axar Patel praised his team’s resilience, noting the significance of pulling back a game that seemed headed for a 240-plus total. The victory handed DC two crucial points, boosting their confidence early in the IPL 2025 campaign.
This thrilling encounter underscored the unpredictability of T20 cricket, with DC’s never-say-die spirit and Ashutosh Sharma’s brilliance stealing the show in Vizag.
