Delhi Capitals (DC) kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-octane clash at the ACA International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Chasing a daunting target of 210, DC found themselves in a precarious position at 113/6. However, a resilient effort from Ashutosh Sharma, who played a match-defining unbeaten knock of 66 off just 31 balls, scripted a historic run chase — DC’s most successful in IPL history.
With six runs needed off the final over and only one wicket in hand, Sharma smashed a towering six to seal the win, sending the DC camp into jubilation. A lighter moment during the intense chase added a dash of humour to the evening. When Kuldeep Yadav arrived at the crease, he awkwardly missed a delivery from Ravi Bishnoi, and the ball slipped to LSG skipper Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.
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As Kuldeep stumbled but managed to stay grounded inside the crease, Pant cheekily nudged him off balance and playfully dislodged the stumps, leading to laughter from the crowd. The playful exchange quickly went viral on social media, offering a brief respite from the nail-biting tension.
Rishab Pant Pushes Kuldeep 😂 pic.twitter.com/Gxt0Gm6KGL
— TJ | Raw and Real (@TJRawandReal) March 25, 2025
Rishabh Pant VS Kuldeep Yadav 😂😂😂#DCvsLSG #IPL2025 #ipltickets #OnlineIPLBetting #NupurSharma pic.twitter.com/ioJ9OwS2nK
— Aliya Sharma❤️ (@aliyakaadda89) March 25, 2025
However, it wasn’t a day to remember for Rishabh Pant. As the IPL’s most expensive player, the LSG captain struggled with both bat and gloves. His missed stumping of Mohit Sharma in the 20th over proved costly, ultimately costing LSG the match. With the match on the line, Pant’s error gave DC the opening they needed to complete a remarkable comeback.
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LSG’s impressive total of 209 was built on power-packed half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36) and Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30). Despite their strong start, LSG’s bowlers couldn’t withstand the late surge from DC. Vipraj Nigam’s explosive 39 off 15 and Tristan Stubbs’ steady 34 off 22 played vital supporting roles, but it was Sharma’s calm, composed, and fearless batting that stole the spotlight.
While LSG will have to regroup and address their shortcomings, particularly Pant’s struggles behind the stumps, DC will take great confidence from their remarkable chase as they move forward in the tournament.
