Ashutosh Sharma’s Heroics Lead DC to Thrilling One-Wicket Win Over LSG
In a breathtaking start to their IPL 2025 campaign, Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off an incredible one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam. Ashutosh Sharma, who started slow, turned the match on its head with a stunning 66* off just 31 balls, sealing the win with a last-over six.
Match Summary
Delhi Capitals 211/9 (Ashutosh 66*, Nigam 39, Stubbs 34; Rathi 2-31, Siddharth 2-39, Bishnoi 2-53) beat Lucknow Super Giants 209/8 (Pooran 75, Marsh 72; Starc 3-42, Kuldeep 2-20) by one wicket.
Ashutosh’s Unbelievable Finish
DC’s chase looked doomed at 7 for 3, and even with 62 required from the final 30 balls, the task seemed insurmountable. But Ashutosh Sharma had other plans. Teaming up with debutant Vipraj Nigam, who played a fiery knock of 39 off 15 balls, he reignited DC’s hopes.
When Nigam departed, DC still needed 42 off 23 balls. Unfazed, Ashutosh went on a rampage, smashing 46 runs in just 11 balls. His last-over six off Shahbaz Ahmed triggered wild celebrations in the DC dugout, leaving former DC captain Rishabh Pant, now leading LSG, stunned.
LSG’s Explosive Start and DC’s Comeback
Sent in to bat first, LSG capitalized on the powerplay with Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36) and Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) leading the charge. At 161/2 after 13 overs, they looked set for a mammoth total, possibly exceeding 250. However, Kuldeep Yadav (2-20) and Mitchell Starc (3-42) turned the game around, restricting LSG to just 48 runs in the final seven overs and picking up six crucial wickets.
Despite their early dominance, LSG finished at 209/8, with late fireworks from David Miller ensuring they crossed the 200-run mark.
DC’s Collapse and Fightback
LSG’s Shardul Thakur, who was brought in as a replacement for Mohsin Khan, struck early to remove Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel in his first over. DC were in deep trouble at 7 for 3, but Faf du Plessis (26) and Axar Patel (24) provided some stability before falling in quick succession.
At 65 for 5 in the seventh over, DC’s win probability was less than 2%, but young Nigam’s attacking strokeplay gave them a glimmer of hope. His fearless batting put pressure back on LSG before Ashutosh took full control of the chase.
Final Over Drama
With just six needed in the final over, No. 11 Mohit Sharma faced the first ball and nearly got out, but a missed stumping chance gave DC a lifeline. He then managed a single, putting Ashutosh on strike. The young batter wasted no time, launching a six straight down the ground to complete a sensational win.
What This Means for DC and LSG
This thrilling victory will boost DC’s confidence as they aim for a strong IPL 2025 campaign. Ashutosh Sharma has proven himself once again as a clutch performer, while debutant Vipraj Nigam’s fearless knock adds a fresh dimension to DC’s middle order.
For LSG, despite a strong batting effort, their inability to close out the game will be a concern. Rishabh Pant’s men will need to regroup and address their death bowling struggles before their next encounter.
This match will be remembered as one of IPL 2025’s early classics, with Ashutosh Sharma’s brilliance etching his name in the league’s history.
