In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, the Delhi Capitals (DC) achieved a stunning one-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on March 24, 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 210 runs, DC found themselves in a perilous position at 65/5. However, the young and dynamic Ashutosh Sharma emerged as the hero, playing a pivotal role in this improbable chase.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Match-Winning Performance
Stepping in as the impact substitute, Ashutosh Sharma delivered an unforgettable performance, remaining unbeaten on 66 off just 31 balls. His innings included five boundaries and as many sixes, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and composure under pressure. The climax of his innings was a towering six off Shahbaz Ahmed, securing the win with three balls to spare.
Early Setbacks and Recovery
The match commenced with DC facing early setbacks, losing three wickets within the first ten balls. Key players departed cheaply, leaving the team struggling at 65/5. Rishabh Pant’s debut for DC was short-lived, as he was dismissed for a duck off six balls.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Dominant Start
Earlier in the match, LSG’s openers, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, provided a strong foundation, adding 72 and 75 runs respectively. Their contributions propelled LSG to a competitive total, especially after recovering from a mid-innings slump where they lost four wickets for just 25 runs. David Miller’s late surge added valuable runs, helping LSG reach a total of 209/8.
Critical Contributions from DC Bowlers
Mitchell Marsh’s bowling efforts saw him claim three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav added two to his tally. Despite these efforts, LSG’s total proved insufficient to counter the late onslaught led by Sharma.
This victory serves as a testament to DC’s fighting spirit and their ability to turn the game around in challenging situations. Ashutosh Sharma’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling moments of IPL 2025. The Capitals will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign in the tournament.
