Another authoritative display from the Delhi Capitals saw them pick up their sixth win of TATA IPL 2025. Powered by big performances from Mukesh Kumar, KL Rahul, and Abishek Porel, we registered a convincing eight-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants, completing a double over them this season.
Mukesh Kumar’s four-wicket haul propelled a terrific comeback for our bowlers. LSG were cruising at 87/0, but we fought back to restrict them at 159. Abishek Porel and KL Rahul put up a huge partnership to ensure the required rate was never a problem, and towards the end, a strong cameo from Axar Patel helped us win with 13 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Axar Patel won the toss and chose to field first. The decision did not pay dividends initially, with Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh establishing a big opening partnership. The duo added 87 runs for the opening wicket and threatened to put up a massive total.
Dushmantha Chameera, making his DC debut, broke this partnership by dismissing the dangerous Markram. Almost immediately, Axar Patel’s decision to bring Mitchell Starc up against Nicholas Pooran worked wonders, as the power-hitter once again got bowled off the Aussie quick.
Mukesh Kumar, in the following over, picked up two wickets, including an unplayable yorker to get rid of Mitchell Marsh. Ayush Badoni’s cameo helped LSG push to 159/6, it was Mukesh again in the final over, holding his nerve and picking up two more wickets to finish with a brilliant 4/33.
Chasing a target of 160 post the interval, Karun Nair and Abishek Porel began with intent and urgency. While Karun departed in an effort to accelerate the scoring, a composed partnership between Porel and KL Rahul kept Delhi Capitals firmly in control. With 54 runs on the board at the end of the powerplay, the momentum was secured early and never relinquished.
Although there was a three-over spell without any boundaries after the powerplay, both batters maintained their composure. Abishek got to his half-century in 33 balls, continuing his good run of form with the bat.
Following his dismissal, Axar Patel entered with clear intent and immediately shifted the momentum, scoring a quick 34* off just 20 deliveries. His fluent strokeplay not only accelerated the chase but also helped the partnership reach the 50-run mark in quick time, guiding the team to victory ahead of expectations.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, became the fastest to 5,000 runs in TATA IPL history in terms of innings played. He got to the landmark in today’s match, his 130th innings, beating David Warner’s record, which he achieved in 135 innings. He played a match-winning knock of 57 not out in 42 balls, completing the chase with a winning six.
Next, we will play the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Delhi on April 27.
Brief Scores
Lucknow Super Giants 159/6 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 52; Mukesh Kumar 4/33) lost to Delhi Capitals `161/2 in 17.5 overs (KL Rahul 57*, Abishek Porel 51, Axar Patel 34*)
Player of the Match: Mukesh Kumar
