IPL 2025 Thriller: Delhi Capitals Edge Rajasthan Royals in Super Over Drama at Delhi

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IPL 2025 Thriller: Delhi Capitals Edge Rajasthan Royals in Super Over Drama at Delhi

In a heart-stopping encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) snatched a breathtaking victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first tied match of the IPL 2025 season. The match, which ebbed and flowed till the very last ball, culminated in a Super Over that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come. Mitchell Starc’s ice-cool composure in the final over of regulation time and a clinical chase by DC in the Super Over sealed the deal for the hosts.

The foundation of this thriller was laid when both teams posted identical totals of 188 runs in their respective 20 overs. DC, batting first, rode on a gritty half-century by KL Rahul (54 off 41 balls) and a late blitz by Tristan Stubbs to reach 188/5. Rajasthan Royals, in response, looked poised to chase down the target courtesy of a fiery 75 off 48 balls by Shimron Hetmyer. However, Mitchell Starc’s sensational last over, where he conceded just 9 runs when 10 were needed, forced the tie and took the game into uncharted territory—a Super Over.

Super Over Madness: Rajasthan Royals Stumble Under Pressure

For the Super Over, Rajasthan Royals sent in the explosive duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag to face Mitchell Starc once again. What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions:

  • Ball 1: Starc to Hetmyer – No run. A fiery full delivery tailing into Hetmyer, who misses the flick. A dot to start.
  • Ball 2: Starc to Hetmyer – FOUR! Starc misses his yorker, and Hetmyer slogs it to the deep mid-wicket boundary.
  • Ball 3: Starc to Hetmyer – 1 run. A low full toss hammered to long-on for just a single.
  • Ball 4 (No-Ball): Starc to Parag – FOUR! A low full toss edged over backward point for four. Starc oversteps, earning RR a free hit.
  • Ball 4 (Free Hit): Starc to Parag – Run-out! Chaos unfolds as Parag misses a flick, and a mix-up results in Hetmyer being run out.

RR could only manage 11 runs in their Super Over, losing a wicket in the process due to a comical communication error. The pressure was palpable, and DC smelled victory.

Delhi Capitals Seal the Deal with Power and Precision

Chasing a modest 12 runs, Delhi Capitals entrusted KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs to face RR’s Sandeep Sharma. The duo wasted no time in asserting dominance:

  • Ball 1: Sandeep to Rahul – 2 runs. A short slower ball pulled to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
  • Ball 2: Sandeep to Rahul – FOUR! Rahul anticipates the slower ball and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.
  • Ball 3: Sandeep to Rahul – 1 run. Guided to backward point for a single.
  • Ball 4: Sandeep to Stubbs – SIX! Game over! Stubbs smashes a slower short ball over deep mid-wicket for a colossal hit.

With just four balls needed, DC clinched the Super Over with 13/0, as Stubbs’ towering six sparked wild celebrations in the Delhi dugout. The capacity crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium roared in delight, witnessing one of the most memorable finishes in IPL history.

Axar’s Leadership and Rajasthan’s Struggles

Under the astute captaincy of Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals returned to winning ways with this victory, reclaiming the top spot in the IPL 2025 points table with 5 wins from 6 matches. Axar’s tactical acumen, coupled with Starc’s brilliance, proved to be the difference on the night.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals, still chasing their second IPL title since their maiden triumph in 2008 under the legendary Shane Warne, slumped to their fifth loss in seven games. Despite Hetmyer’s heroics, RR’s inability to hold their nerve in crunch moments continues to haunt them this season.

This match wasn’t just a game; it was a testament to the unpredictability and sheer excitement of the IPL. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths—DC aiming to maintain their dominance, and RR desperate to turn their fortunes around.

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