IPL 2025 Thriller: Delhi Capitals Edge Past Rajasthan Royals in a Nail-Biting Super Over Finish

In a match filled with drama, momentum shifts, and edge-of-the-seat moments, Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a thrilling victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) via Super Over at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Wednesday. With this win, DC now sits at the top of the IPL 2025 points table, securing their fifth win in six matches.

Match Summary at a Glance

Mitchell Starc Steals the Show

While DC posted a competitive total of 188/5, thanks to solid knocks from Abhishek Porel (49 off 37) and Axar Patel (34 off 14), Rajasthan Royals fought hard till the end. With Jaiswal and Rana firing half-centuries, RR managed to equal the score in regulation time.

• RR needed 9 runs in the final over

• Starc bowled a brilliant last over, conceding just 8 runs

• The match was forced into a Super Over

Mitchell Starc’s composure under pressure proved decisive. DC needed 12 in the Super Over, which they chased down in just 4 balls, sealing a crucial win.

KL Rahul’s Knock Under the Microscope

Despite the team’s win, KL Rahul’s 38 from 32 balls didn’t go unnoticed by critics. Indian batting veteran Cheteshwar Pujara shared his analysis during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo.

Pujara’s Observations on Rahul:

• Played it too safe: Rahul seemed more focused on holding his wicket than accelerating the scoring.

• Missed the momentum shift: After settling in, he didn’t shift gears when it mattered most.

• Adjustment struggles: Rahul’s changing batting order may be affecting his natural game.

“He looked like he was playing to avoid getting out instead of being aggressive. We’ve seen how effective he can be when he plays freely. That’s the version of Rahul the team needs more often,” said Pujara.

Who Delivered for Delhi Capitals?

While Rahul played the anchor role, other key players stepped up when needed:

• Abhishek Porel: Set the tone with a steady yet aggressive 49-run knock.

• Axar Patel: Injected momentum in the death overs with a powerful cameo.

• Mitchell Starc: Delivered in both the pressure-filled final over and the Super Over.

Rajasthan Royals’ Grit and Fight

Even in defeat, RR put up a performance worth applauding:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Looked fluent and dangerous at the top with his 51-run knock.

• Nitish Rana: Matched the aggression and pace, also scoring 51.

• The duo kept RR in the chase till the very last over.

FAQs:

1. Who was the standout performer for Delhi Capitals?

Mitchell Starc stood out for his calm under pressure, particularly in the final over of the match and the Super Over. He played a pivotal role in sealing DC’s win.

2. Why is KL Rahul’s innings being debated?

Although he scored 38, his strike rate was lower than expected for a set batter. Experts like Cheteshwar Pujara believe he missed the chance to accelerate and build a bigger score.

3. How did the Super Over unfold?

RR scored 11 runs in the Super Over. DC successfully chased the target in just four deliveries, showing great intent and composure under pressure.

4. Who were the top three run scorers in the match?

Final Thoughts

This game was a classic example of how IPL cricket can swing either way till the very last ball. Delhi Capitals walked away with the points and momentum, but Rajasthan Royals earned respect for their grit and resilience.

While the spotlight was on Rahul for his conservative approach, it’s clear the DC team is shaping up well with consistent performers like Starc, Porel, and Axar stepping up. As the tournament heats up, more such thrillers are likely around the corner.

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