In an enthralling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Delhi Capitals (DC) edged past the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a nail-biting one wicket in a high-scoring thriller at Visakhapatnam on 24.03.2025. The match, marked by dramatic twists and standout performances, saw Ashutosh Sharma emerge as the hero, sparking a remarkable chase against a challenging target of 210.
Match Overview
After losing half their team within the first seven overs, DC’s hopes seemed dim. However, Vipraj Nigam provided a spark with a rapid-fire 39 off 15 balls. Building on that momentum, Ashutosh Sharma delivered an electrifying half-century in just 28 balls, rekindling the team’s fighting spirit and steering them towards a historic win.
LSG’s innings was equally eventful, as they posted 209/8 in their allotted 20 overs. At one stage, they were cruising at 161/2, only for the momentum to shift after a blistering 42-ball partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh. Pooran contributed 75 off 30 balls, while Marsh blasted 72 from 36 balls. However, the early dismissal of captain Rishabh Pant for a duck and subsequent breakthroughs by Delhi’s bowlers, notably Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar, tilted the game in DC’s favor.
Player Performances & Tactical Insights
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Ashutosh Sharma: Continued his fine form from his stint with the Punjab Kings, playing a pivotal role by scoring a half-century off 28 balls.
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Vipraj Nigam: Kept the chase alive with an impressive 39 runs in 15 balls.
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Nicholas Pooran & Mitchell Marsh: Delivered an explosive partnership of 87 runs in 42 balls for LSG.
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Mitchell Starc: His timely wicket of Marsh in the 15th over helped DC regain control.
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Axar Patel: Winning the toss and opting to bowl first set the stage for DC’s strategic play.
Meanwhile, pre-match uncertainties—such as KL Rahul’s delayed DC debut and his uncertain availability—added extra drama to the contest. The much-anticipated shifts involving Rishabh Pant and Rahul, both moving to new teams in a blockbuster mega auction, were further highlighted by this match-up against their former sides.
Pre-Match Story and Venue Insights
DC’s decision to host the match in Visakhapatnam for the second consecutive year underlines their growing connection with the port city, even as the game remains one of the season’s most exciting starts. On paper, LSG’s formidable middle order appeared to promise a relentless batting display. However, tactical decisions—such as the potential repositioning of Rishabh Pant and the reliance on powerful openers like Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh—played a crucial role in the unfolding drama.
Key Moments and Strategies
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Early Setback & Revival:
After losing half their side in just seven overs, the team’s revival was anchored by Nigam’s quickfire innings and Ashutosh’s match-turning half-century. -
Bowling Breakthrough:
Mitchell Starc’s crucial wicket of Marsh and subsequent strategic bowling changes helped restrict LSG’s momentum. -
Tactical Toss Decision:
Axar Patel’s decision to bowl first paved the way for a controlled chase, even amid pre-match uncertainties about key players.
Conclusion
Key Statistics Table
| Parameter | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 210/9 | 209/8 |
| Winning Margin | 1 Wicket | - |
| Ashutosh Sharma’s Contribution | 50+ in 28 balls | - |
| Notable Partnership (LSG) | - | 87 runs in 42 balls (Pooran & Marsh) |
| Venue | Visakhapatnam | Visakhapatnam |
H3: Key Takeaways
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DC pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory in a closely contested match.
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Ashutosh Sharma’s rapid half-century proved to be the turning point.
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LSG’s aggressive batting was curtailed by timely wickets from DC’s bowling unit.
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Pre-match speculations regarding player availability added extra intrigue to the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who was the standout performer for DC?
A1: Ashutosh Sharma, with his blazing half-century in just 28 balls, was the key catalyst in DC’s win.
Q2: What was the target set by LSG?
A2: LSG set a challenging target of 210 for Delhi Capitals.
Q3: How did the match progress after the early loss of wickets for DC?
A3: Despite early setbacks, crucial contributions from Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma revived DC’s chase, eventually leading to a one-wicket victory.
Q4: Where was the match played?
A4: The match took place in Visakhapatnam, marking the second consecutive year DC has chosen the port city as their secondary home.
Q5: What were the notable tactical moves in the match?
A5: Key tactical moves included Axar Patel’s decision to bowl first, and strategic changes following the early loss of wickets, which eventually allowed DC to set a chaseable target.
