In a thrilling encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, the Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a single wicket, chasing down a formidable target of 210 runs. The match, held on March 24, 2025, showcased exceptional performances, particularly from DC’s Ashutosh Sharma, whose unbeaten 66 off 31 balls turned the game on its head.
4th Match • Visakhapatnam, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium
LSG 209-8 (20)
DC 211-9 (19.3)
Delhi Capitals won by 1 wicket
Match Overview:
- Toss: Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to field.
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First Innings: Lucknow Super Giants Batting
LSG’s innings was marked by aggressive batting, setting a challenging total of 209 for 8 in their 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer, scoring a brisk 72, while Nicholas Pooran contributed a quickfire 75. Their partnership laid a solid foundation, propelling LSG to a commanding position.
Key Highlights:
- Mitchell Marsh’s 72 provided early momentum.
- Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 75 accelerated the scoring rate.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s disciplined bowling yielded figures of 2 for 20, applying brakes during the middle overs.
- Mitchell Starc’s variations earned him 3 wickets for 42 runs, crucial in restricting LSG’s final total.
Second Innings: Delhi Capitals’ Chase
DC’s chase began disastrously, losing two wickets in the first over and finding themselves at 65 for 5, staring at a daunting required run rate. However, a remarkable turnaround was orchestrated by Ashutosh Sharma, who, coming in as an impact substitute, played the innings of his life.
Key Moments:
- Early setbacks saw DC reeling at 65/5, with top-order batsmen failing to capitalize.
- Tristan Stubbs provided a brief resurgence with a quick 34, including some towering sixes.
- Debutant Vipraj Nigam’s cameo of 39 off 15 balls injected hope into the DC camp.
- Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 off 31 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes, was the cornerstone of DC’s chase.
- The climax saw Ashutosh sealing the victory with a massive six off Shahbaz Ahmed, sparking jubilant celebrations.
Turning Points:
- Ashutosh’s assault on Ravi Bishnoi in the 18th over, amassing 17 runs, swung the momentum in DC’s favor.
- Vipraj Nigam’s aggressive approach during the middle overs kept the required run rate within reach.
- The final over heroics by Ashutosh, needing 6 runs off 6 balls, culminated in a six that sealed the match.
Post-Match Reflections:
Rishabh Pant, LSG’s captain, acknowledged the brilliance of Ashutosh’s innings and the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. He emphasized the need for his team to execute better under pressure. On the other hand, DC’s skipper, Axar Patel, lauded the resilience shown by his team, particularly highlighting the contributions of the younger players.
Superb performance
This match will be remembered as a classic IPL thriller, showcasing the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of T20 cricket. Ashutosh Sharma’s innings not only secured a memorable victory for Delhi Capitals but also announced his arrival on the big stage, promising a bright future ahead.
Article by Darshan lal
