The fourth match of the Indian Premier League 2025 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) delivered pure drama, suspense, and top-tier cricketing action. Held at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the match went down to the wire. Delhi Capitals pulled off a miraculous one-wicket win, chasing down a formidable total of 210 runs, thanks to an incredible rescue mission led by Ashutosh Sharma and debutant Vipraj Nigam.
Lucknow Sets the Stage on Fire with a 209-Run Innings
LSG skipper KL Rahul lost the toss, and DC captain Axar Patel opted to bowl first. The pitch offered good bounce, and the outfield looked lightning quick, setting up a high-scoring encounter.
Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran powered LSG’s innings with explosive knocks. Marsh, batting at number three, blazed his way to 72 off 36 balls, attacking pacers and spinners alike. He showed aggressive intent from ball one, smashing sixes over deep midwicket and long-off with absolute ease.
Pooran entered with the score already healthy and took the momentum to another level. He tore into the DC bowling attack, particularly punishing the spinners. His 75 off just 30 balls featured clean, aerial hitting and rapid running between the wickets. Together, Marsh and Pooran stitched a partnership that looked unbreakable.
However, Delhi Capitals refused to buckle under pressure. Mitchell Starc, brought in for the 18th over, shifted the momentum. He dismissed both Marsh and Pooran with clever change-ups and yorkers. Starc’s spell of 3 for 42 halted LSG’s late-innings assault.
Kuldeep Yadav bowled with guile and precision, claiming 2 for 20 in his four overs, ensuring LSG couldn’t completely run away with the game. Despite the early onslaught, DC contained the damage and restricted LSG to 209/8 in 20 overs.
Delhi Capitals Falter Early in Chase
Chasing 210 was never going to be easy, and DC’s top-order crumbled under pressure. Openers Prithvi Shaw and David Warner failed to capitalize on the powerplay, with Shaw falling for a duck and Warner getting bowled while attempting a reverse sweep.
The early collapse saw DC slump to 65 for 5, with LSG bowlers dominating the middle phase. Shardul Thakur bowled a beautiful spell, swinging the ball both ways and claiming key wickets. M Siddharth also joined the party, drying up runs and creating pressure.
The game seemed to tilt firmly in LSG’s favor. But T20 cricket rarely follows a script, and the middle order had different ideas.
Ashutosh and Vipraj Trigger Unbelievable Comeback
At a time when fans had started writing off DC’s chances, Tristan Stubbs brought stability. He scored a composed 34 runs, holding one end while waiting for the big hitters to step up. But it was debutant Vipraj Nigam who shifted the gears.
Nigam displayed nerves of steel and an array of attacking strokes. He struck 39 runs off just 15 balls, launching LSG bowlers into the stands. He targeted the short boundaries, played innovative scoops, and ran hard between the wickets. His partnership with Stubbs added crucial runs and brought DC back into the game.
Once Nigam departed, Ashutosh Sharma took full command. Initially cautious, Ashutosh played himself in with singles and doubles. But once the equation narrowed down, he exploded. He hammered bowlers all around the park, smashing full tosses, clearing the long boundaries, and unsettling LSG’s field placements.
Needing 30 off the final 3 overs, Ashutosh struck two sixes off Naveen-ul-Haq and followed it up with a massive blow down the ground in the penultimate over. With just six runs needed off the final over, the tension reached its peak.
Ashutosh did not panic. He calmly hit a full delivery over long-off for six, sealing a dramatic one-wicket win for Delhi Capitals with three balls to spare. His final score read 66 not out off 31 balls, a heroic innings under extreme pressure.
Player of the Match: Ashutosh Sharma
No surprises here — Ashutosh Sharma walked away with the Player of the Match award. His innings defined composure, aggression, and match-winning spirit. When others crumbled, he rose, and when the team needed a finisher, he delivered.
Captain’s Reactions
Axar Patel, DC’s skipper, praised his team’s fighting spirit in the post-match presentation. He highlighted how the youngsters stepped up and showed maturity beyond their years. Axar lauded Ashutosh and Vipraj for turning the match on its head.
KL Rahul, visibly disappointed, admitted that LSG had the game in their grip for most parts. He acknowledged that poor death bowling and missed opportunities cost them dearly. Rahul praised Marsh and Pooran’s efforts but stressed the need for improvement in bowling execution under pressure.
Match Stats at a Glance
- LSG: 209/8 (20 overs)
- Mitchell Marsh: 72 (36)
- Nicholas Pooran: 75 (30)
- Mitchell Starc: 3/42
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2/20
- DC: 211/9 (19.3 overs)
- Ashutosh Sharma: 66* (31)
- Vipraj Nigam: 39 (15)
- Tristan Stubbs: 34 (28)
- Shardul Thakur: 2/29
- M Siddharth: 1/24
What This Win Means for Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals have started their IPL 2025 campaign with a bang. The team showed resilience, bench strength, and a fearless approach. This comeback win will inject massive confidence into their squad, especially the younger players like Ashutosh and Vipraj.
This match also sends a strong message to the rest of the teams — underestimate DC’s lower order at your own risk.
What’s Next for Lucknow Super Giants
Despite the loss, LSG can take several positives. Their top-order looks solid, with Marsh and Pooran in superb touch. However, their bowling in the final overs needs immediate attention. KL Rahul and the coaching staff will need to regroup and ensure they execute better under pressure in future games.
Final Word
The DC vs LSG clash lived up to the hype and delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of IPL 2025 so far. The emergence of new match-winners, the electric atmosphere, and the raw emotions on display reminded fans why IPL remains the most exciting T20 league in the world.
