IPL2025: Ashutosh powers Delhi Capitals to snatch unlikely 1 wkt win over LSG in a thriller

 

In one of the most thrilling matches of IPL 2025 so far, Delhi Capitals pulled off a sensational one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the final over. The fourth match of the season, played in Visakhapatnam, witnessed a high-scoring encounter as Lucknow set a formidable target of 209 runs in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh delivered explosive performances with the bat.

Delhi, however, found themselves in deep trouble early on, losing three wickets for just seven runs and then slumping to 65/5. Just when all seemed lost, Ashutosh Sharma (66*), displaying remarkable resilience, staged an incredible comeback and guided Delhi to a historic victory in the last over.

Shardul and Spinners Wreak Havoc on Top Order

Chasing 210, Delhi got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets in the very first over. Shardul Thakur, who was overlooked by all teams in the mega auction, got an unexpected opportunity due to Mohsin Khan’s injury and made an immediate impact. He struck twice in his first over for Lucknow snapping up McGurk (1) & Abhishek Porel (0) , and in the very next over, another wicket fell of Rizvi , leaving Delhi in shambles. Within the first 40 balls, five wickets were down, making Delhi's defeat seem inevitable. Faf Duplessis (29) & Axar Patel (22) looked good but departed through rash shots . However, Ashutosh had other plans.

Ashutosh and Vipraj Engineer a Miraculous Turnaround

Walking in during the seventh over, Ashutosh initially played cautiously while Tristan Stubbs counterattacked. Stubbs smashed 33 runs off just 22 balls, keeping Delhi in the hunt. But the real game-changer was 20-year-old all-rounder Vipraj Nigam, who made a stunning debut. He hammered 39 runs off just 15 balls, bringing Delhi back into contention. Inspired by Vipraj’s blitz, Ashutosh unleashed his power-hitting skills.

With 39 runs needed off the last three overs, Ashutosh turned the game on its head. Delhi lost their ninth wicket in the 19th over, leaving them needing 18 runs off the last over. Ashutosh, however, remained composed. He ended the penultimate over with a six and a four.

In the final over, a missed stumping chance by Rishabh Pant and a single by Mohit Sharma brought Ashutosh back on strike with five runs required. Without hesitation, he launched the next ball for a towering six, sealing a historic win for Delhi. His unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes, ensured Delhi’s greatest-ever comeback victory and provided him the player of the match award . 

Pooran and Marsh’s Fireworks Set Up a Mammoth Total

Earlier in the match, Lucknow Super Giants got off to a flying start despite Aiden Markram's early dismissal. Mitchell Marsh (72) and Nicholas Pooran (75) dismantled Delhi’s bowling attack, putting up a dazzling  87-run stand in just 42 balls. Marsh reached his half-century in just 21 balls before eventually getting dismissed for a spectacular  72 off 36 deliveries. Pooran, too, was unstoppable, bringing up his fifty in just 24 balls and finishing with a breathtaking 75 off 30 balls.

Pooran showcased his brute force by smashing four consecutive sixes and a boundary in a single over of Stubbs . However, Delhi clawed back into the game as their bowlers tightened the screws. Rishabh Pant had a forgettable outing, failing to open his account in six balls. Mitchell Starc turned the tide with two quick wickets in an over, while Kuldeep Yadav bowled economically and picked up two crucial scalps.

Lucknow’s innings ended on a high as David Miller (27*) smashed two consecutive sixes off the last two balls, pushing their total to 209. But in the end, it wasn’t enough to stop Delhi’s incredible fightback.