Between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), the opening Super Over of the 2025 Indian Premier League proved to be an intense match. RR appeared to be on track to win at one point, but Mitchell Starc, an Australian bowler, changed the tide of the match with superb fag-end bowling.
In the match’s last over, when RR needed just nine runs, Starc remained composed and bowled an outstanding over, limiting them to eight and necessitating a Super Over. Against Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag, he returned for the Super Over and produced another strong stint, giving up just 11 runs. RR was also held in check by a few outstanding run-outs by the DC fielders.
Against Sandeep Sharma, DC openers KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs easily chased down the mark, completing the Super Over in just four balls. With five wins after this exciting victory, DC climbed to the top of the standings.
Talking Points
1. Sensible batting from Delhi Capitals
RR skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to field first. DC batters put together a solid performance to post a competitive total of 188 runs. Opener Abishek Porel provided a strong start with a well-crafted 49 off 37 balls. In the middle order, Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten with 34 off 18 balls, while DC skipper Axar Patel played a quickfire knock of 34 off just 14 deliveries. Their combined efforts helped DC set a challenging target for Rajasthan Royals to chase.
2. RR batters’ fighting knock
RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant half-century, making 51 off 37 balls, providing a strong foundation for the chase. In the middle order, Nitish Rana played an aggressive knock, smashing 51 off just 28 deliveries. However, their efforts ultimately went in vain, as RR fell short and ended up on the losing side.
3. Mitchell Starc’s brilliant last over
Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was given the task with defending nine runs in the final over of the match. With Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel at the crease, Starc delivered a brilliant over, consistently hitting tight lines and yorker lengths. His disciplined bowling prevented both batters from freeing their arms, restricting them to just eight runs. This crucial effort tied the match and pushed it into a Super Over, keeping DC in the contest.
4. Super Over thriller
Rajasthan Royals sent out Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer to face Mitchell Starc. Despite managing only two boundaries, Starc maintained tight control, restricting the batters to just 11 runs. The pressure was further intensified by two brilliant run-outs, DC wicketkeeper KL Rahul dismissed Riyan Parag, and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s sharp throw caught Yashasvi Jaiswal short of the crease with one ball remaining.
Chasing 12 runs for victory, DC openers KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs finished the job in just four balls, which included a four and a match-winning six. It was DC’s fifth victory of the tournament.
Who said what?
Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals (Losing Captain)
It feels alright (His injury). I wasn’t just ready to come back and bat. It feels alright now. We will observe it tomorrow and see how it is. We bowled really well. There were phases when they came hard at us. I would like to give credit to our bowlers and fielders. The energy on the ground was fantastic. I thought that score was chaseable given the batting line up which we had.
The start which we got in the PP. I felt it was definitely a chaseable score. I think as we all saw some fantastic bowling by Starcy. He is one of the best guys around in the world. I would like to give it to Starcy. He won them the game in the 20th over. Plan was to swing hard. I think (Sandeep) has been bowling the toughest overs for us in the last few years. Starcy took it away. A win today could have created some positivity in the dressing room.
Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals (Winning Captain)
All is well that ends well. The way we started, the way the powerplay went. I thought we could have accelerated a bit more. We were talking to the batters during the ST. They told us the wicket isn’t easy when you come in. I asked them to keep up the intent. But we got momentum after the 12 or 13th over. The ball was gripping. It wasn’t easy for the new batter.
The set batter was finding it better. When the runs flow, the panic button sets in. I told myself and the troops after the strategic time-out in the bowling innings that the real game starts now. Won’t be easy in the middle overs. It won’t be easy to hit fours and sixes. We will have to do something off the deck as nothing will happen on its own.
When the set batter gets out, it isn’t easy for the new batters here. A couple of wickets go down and the panic button gets pressed under pressure. The ball was gripping and not coming on to the bat. This season, I had a cut during the Champions Trophy. You do get confidence when the team is winning. But as a captain, you do think of contributing.
You try to set examples. I came in and tried to create an impact. I thought what I can do and followed my process. I batted and bowled well today I feel. I was thinking if Mitch can execute, we will be in this. He bowled almost 12 yorkers. That’s why he is such an Australian legend. I guess he missed only one ball as far as execution was concerned. The field was changed but he kept at it. It was vital to lose that one game. Helps us.
Mitchell Starc, Delhi Capitals (Player of the Match)
(On the final over) Just backed my execution, running with a clear plan. Sometimes it comes off, a bit of luck goes a long way. It was a fantastic game, happy to get on the right side. I’ve played long enough for everyone to know what I’d do, but if I execute then I know I’ll get by. A bit of luck goes a long way. (On RR’s choice of batters for Super Over) Was a bit of a surprise to see left handers come in with my angle as the ball was tailing back in.
Got one wrong there with the side line no ball, but we had the batting depth then to chase that down. (On team atmosphere) Good mix of youth and experience here. Axar is leading us well. Kuldeep has been fantastic. Stubbs and KL are very experienced as well. We are having a lot of fun, success helps that as well.
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