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“IPL 2025: Ashutosh Sharma and debutant Vipraj Nigam power Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants with a stunning comeback in a high-scoring chase.
New Delhi: The fourth match of IPL 2025 witnessed an absolute thriller as Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by one wicket at the Dr Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Despite being in dire straits at multiple junctures, DC found heroes in Ashutosh Sharma and debutant Vipraj Nigam to chase down LSG’s formidable 209/8 with just three balls to spare.
Batting first, Lucknow Super Giants put up a commanding total of 209/8 in their 20 overs. The foundation was laid by explosive innings from Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran. Marsh played a blazing knock of 72 off just 36 deliveries, striking six sixes and as many fours. Pooran was even more destructive, hammering 75 off a mere 30 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 250.00.
However, despite these strong performances, LSG lost wickets at crucial moments. Aiden Markram (15 off 13) and Rishabh Pant (0 off 6) struggled, while David Miller’s composed 27* off 19 provided some stability towards the end. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for Delhi, claiming 4/34, including the key wickets of Pooran, Bishnoi, and Shahbaz Ahmed. Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two scalps.
DC’s Rocky Start
Chasing 210, Delhi Capitals had a nightmare start as they lost early wickets. Jake Fraser-McGurk (1) fell in the first over to Shardul Thakur, and Abishek Porel followed soon after for a duck. Skipper Axar Patel played a quick cameo of 22 off 11 before falling to Digvesh Rathi. At 65/5, DC seemed out of contention, especially after the departure of Tristan Stubbs (34 off 22) at 113/6.
Ashutosh and Vipraj’s Heroics
Just when LSG looked set for victory, Vipraj Nigam, on his IPL debut, turned the game around. The young batter smashed 39 off just 15 balls, hitting five boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 260.00. His fearless hitting brought DC back into the contest.
However, it was Ashutosh Sharma who emerged as the ultimate match-winner. Playing a breathtaking knock of 66* off 31 deliveries, he took apart the LSG bowling attack, finding boundaries at crucial junctures. His innings, laced with five sixes and five fours, ensured Delhi’s dramatic comeback.
In the final over, with just one wicket in hand, DC required a composed finish. Mohit Sharma played his part, ensuring the team crossed the finish line with three balls to spare.
Pant’s Nightmare Return
It was a forgettable game for LSG’s Rishabh Pant. Facing his former team, he managed only 0 off 6 balls with the bat and struggled behind the stumps. He dropped a tough catch and missed a crucial stumping, which could have sealed the game for LSG.
Turning Point and Key Takeaways
The defining moment was undoubtedly the Ashutosh-Nigam partnership, which turned a hopeless situation into a historic run-chase. LSG, despite a strong total, missed key opportunities, allowing DC to script one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history.
With this win, Delhi Capitals have announced themselves as serious contenders for IPL 2025, while Lucknow Super Giants will need to reassess their finishing strategies. Fans were left on the edge of their seats, making this one of the most memorable matches of the season so far.
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