IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Edge Delhi Capitals in a Thrilling 12-Run Victory – Match Highlights
The 29th match of IPL 2025 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring explosive batting, dramatic collapses, and a nail-biting finish. In the end, Mumbai Indians held their nerve to secure a 12-run victory, handing Delhi their first defeat of the season.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match highlights, key performances, and turning points in this high-scoring thriller.
Match Summary
- Mumbai Indians: 205/5 (20 overs) – Tilak Varma (59), Ryan Rickelton (41), Naman Dhir (38)*
- Delhi Capitals: 193 all out (19 overs) – Karun Nair (89), Abhishek Porel (33)
- Result: Mumbai Indians won by 12 runs
- Player of the Match: Karn Sharma (3/36)
Mumbai Indians’ Innings: A Strong Finish After Early Struggles
Powerplay: A Solid Start
Mumbai Indians, put in to bat by Delhi Capitals, got off to a brisk start thanks to Ryan Rickelton (41 off 25) and Rohit Sharma (18 off 12). The duo added 47 runs in 5 overs before Rohit fell LBW to Vipraj Nigam.
Middle Overs: Kuldeep Yadav Strikes Twice
- Kuldeep Yadav (2/23) was the standout bowler, dismissing Rickelton (41) and Suryakumar Yadav (40) at crucial junctures.
- Tilak Varma (59 off 33) anchored the innings, surviving two dropped catches (on 24 and 54) before accelerating in the death overs.
Death Overs: Naman Dhir’s Late Flourish
- Naman Dhir (38 off 17)* provided the late fireworks, smashing three sixes in the final overs.
- A 62-run partnership between Tilak and Dhir in just 33 balls propelled MI to 205/5, a challenging total on any ground.
Delhi Capitals’ Chase: Karun Nair’s Heroics in Vain
Disastrous Start: Fraser-McGurk Falls First Ball
Delhi’s chase began horribly as Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a golden duck by Deepak Chahar. However, what followed was an absolute carnage.
Karun Nair’s Sensational Comeback Knock
- Karun Nair (89 off 40), playing his first IPL match in three years, launched a brutal assault, smashing 12 fours and 5 sixes.
- He reached his fifty in just 22 balls—his first IPL half-century in seven years—and dominated Jasprit Bumrah (18 runs in one over).
- His 119-run partnership with Abhishek Porel (33) put DC in a commanding position at 119/1 in 10.2 overs.
The Turning Point: Karn Sharma’s Game-Changing Spell
- Karn Sharma (3/36) broke the partnership by dismissing Porel, and Mitchell Santner (2/43) removed Nair in the 12th over.
- KL Rahul (15), Axar Patel (9), and Tristan Stubbs (1) fell in quick succession, triggering a collapse from 119/1 to 145/5.
The Dramatic Finale: Three Run-Outs in One Over
With 23 needed off 12 balls, Ashutosh Sharma (17) hit two boundaries off Bumrah to keep DC’s hopes alive. However, in a bizarre sequence:
- Ashutosh Sharma was run out by Will Jacks’ direct hit.
- Kuldeep Yadav was run out attempting a quick single.
- Mohit Sharma was run out by Mitchell Santner’s sharp throw.
Delhi lost three wickets in three balls, collapsing from 192/7 to 193 all out in the 19th over.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Karun Nair’s Blitzkrieg – His 89 off 40 was one of the finest IPL knocks, but DC’s middle-order collapse cost them the game.
- Karn Sharma’s Impact – His three wickets (Porel, Stubbs, Rahul) shifted momentum back to MI.
- The Run-Out Hat-Trick – A rare and decisive collapse in the 19th over sealed MI’s win.
- Tilak Varma’s Gritty Fifty – His 59, despite two dropped catches, set up MI’s total.
Post-Match Reactions
Hardik Pandya (MI Captain):
“Winning is always special, but it means more when the team fights back from tough situations. Karun’s hitting took us by surprise, but Karn Sharma’s spell was the game-changer.” 11
Axar Patel (DC Captain):
“Soft dismissals cost us. We can’t always rely on the lower order. The dew helped, but we should have closed this.” 11
Karn Sharma (Player of the Match):
“It feels nice to contribute. KL Rahul’s wicket was the turning point. The new ball-change rule helped us.” 11
Conclusion: A Match to Remember
This game had everything—explosive batting, tactical bowling, and a nerve-wracking finish. While Karun Nair’s heroics will be remembered, Mumbai’s resilience under pressure proved decisive.
With this win, MI moved to 7th place, while DC suffered their first loss, slipping to 2nd in the points table.
What’s Next?
- Delhi Capitals face Rajasthan Royals on April 16.
- Mumbai Indians host Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 17.
Will DC bounce back? Can MI build momentum? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
