IPL 2025: Delhi Cruise Past Lucknow in One-Sided Encounter | The 40th match of IPL 2025 saw Delhi Capitals (DC) deliver a commanding performance, thrashing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by eight wickets at the Ekana Stadium. A combination of disciplined bowling and composed batting ensured DC never relinquished control, chasing down a modest target of 160 with ease.
LSG’s Innings: A Tale of Two Halves
Put in to bat, LSG began strongly with Aiden Markram (52 off 33) and Mitchell Marsh (45 off 36) forging an 87-run opening stand. Markram was particularly aggressive, peppering the boundary with crisp drives, while Marsh played the supporting role. However, the innings lost momentum once the openers departed.
The middle order crumbled under pressure—Nicholas Pooran (9), Abdul Samad (2), and David Miller (14) fell cheaply, leaving LSG struggling at 123/5. Ayush Badoni’s brisk 36 off 21 provided late impetus, but Mukesh Kumar’s four-wicket haul (4/33) ensured LSG finished with a below-par 159/6. Skipper Rishabh Pant’s brief two-ball stay at No. 7 summed up a frustrating finish for the home side.
DC’s Chase: Effortless and Efficient
In response, Delhi lost Karun Nair (15 off 9) early, but Abhishek Porel’s fluent 50 off 33 balls kept the scoreboard ticking. His innings, laced with five fours and a six, laid the foundation for a stress-free chase.
After Porel’s dismissal, KL Rahul (57* off 42) took charge, anchoring the innings with typical elegance. He found an able partner in Axar Patel (34* off 20), who accelerated with a flurry of boundaries. The duo ensured DC crossed the line in just 17.5 overs, with Rahul sealing the win with a towering six.
Turning Point & Key Performances
- Mukesh Kumar’s 4/33 broke LSG’s backbone after a solid start.
- Porel’s Mature Knock (50 off 33) stabilized DC’s chase after an early wicket.
- Rahul’s Unbeaten Fifty (57*) showcased his class under pressure.
While DC’s playoff hopes received a significant boost, LSG’s inconsistent batting remains a concern. The Capitals’ all-round dominance highlighted their growing momentum in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
LSG: 159/6 (Markram 52, Marsh 45; Mukesh 4/33)
DC: 162/2 in 17.5 overs (Rahul 57*, Porel 50)
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 8 wickets.
Player of the Match: Mukesh Kumar
