The Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday, May 21 at the Wankhede Stadium, making them the fourth and last team to earn a spot in the IPL 2025 Playoffs. Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir’s attack in the final two overs of the first innings, which at one point seemed nearly impossible, was one of the game’s pivotal moments. It helped the team to a respectable total of 180.
Before Naman Dhir and Yadav scored 48 runs in the final two overs of the game in the 19th over, it appeared that DC was controlling the play in the first innings. Former India batsman-wicketkeeper Saba Karim commended the two batsmen’ efforts and described how the final two overs turned the tide in MI’s benefit. In addition to the two players’ blitzkrieg with the bat, Karim praised Jasprit Bumrah for his outstanding performance and outlined the significance of his role in the team.
“I believe Bumrah has a massive role to play. Sometimes, stats don’t capture his true impact — his influence isn’t always tangible. But just having him in the XI lifts the entire squad. I still remember that visual when Bumrah returned to the team — Kieron Pollard lifted him in his arms. That says everything about his value. That said, today was about Naman Dhir and SKY — the way they batted in the end overs.
Those vital 48 runs in the last two overs completely shifted the momentum in MI’s favour. And with a champion side like Mumbai Indians, even the slightest window is enough — they’ll storm through with a roar, and that’s exactly what happened today,” Karim said, speaking on JioHotstar after the game.
Turned the game on its head: Ajay Jadeja on Naman-Suryakumar Yadav partnership
Former India batter Ajay Jadeja also gave his insights on the late assault by both Surya and Naman, while also mentioning how the DC bowlers had put the brakes on the scoring until the second last over. Jadeja, who himself made some strong finishes during his time, praised the young batter for turning the game around in the penultimate over, and Surya for adding the finishing touches in the last over of the innings, which eventually was the difference.
“They were aware of what they needed to do, but ultimately, they had left themselves with too much. These two, however, were simply amazing. Although I believe Suryakumar Yadav played a superb knock, Naman Dhir was the one who made the difference. In the 19th over, Naman had already hit three consecutive sixes, including a couple slower ones out of the park, before Surya even got the smash. Then, in the last over, Surya simply took control after making his signature shot,” Jadeja remarked.
The bowlers were unable to respond to either of them. The fact that they scored 48 runs in the final two overs, when they had only reached 130 after 18 overs, says it all. In a match with 280 runs, 48 off two might seem typical, but in this case, it totally altered the flow. He added, “That must have been the moment that completely changed the course of the game.”
India
