IPL 2025: Ashutosh Sharma's Heroics Seal Thrilling Victory for DC Over LSG

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Delhi Capitals edged out Lucknow Super Giants in a thrilling one-wicket victory in their IPL 2025 opener at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

The high-scoring contest saw DC chase down 210 with three balls to spare, courtesy of a sensational unbeaten 66 off 31 balls from Ashutosh Sharma.

LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, set an imposing total of 209/8, thanks to explosive knocks from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36). Pooran's fireworks included four consecutive sixes, while Marsh's blistering half-century provided a solid foundation. However, DC bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up 2/20 in four overs, applied pressure in the middle overs to restrict further damage.

Chasing 210, DC had a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first two overs, with Shardul Thakur (2/19) and Manimaran Siddharth striking early. At 7/3, the Capitals were in deep trouble. Captain Axar Patel (22) and Faf du Plessis (29) steadied the innings briefly, but quick dismissals saw them reeling at 65/5. Tristan Stubbs (34 off 22) and Ashutosh Sharma added a crucial 48-run partnership to keep DC's hopes alive.

Debutant Vipraj Nigam provided a late surge, smashing 39 off just 15 balls, displaying fearless intent. However, as wickets continued to tumble, DC found themselves needing 22 off the last two overs with just two wickets remaining. Ashutosh took charge, hammering Ravi Bishnoi for two sixes and a boundary, reducing the equation to 6 runs off the final over.

Shahbaz Ahmed almost had Mohit Sharma stumped on the first ball of the last over, but Pant missed the chance. Despite some nervous moments, Ashutosh Sharma calmly struck the winning runs, sealing a dramatic victory for Delhi Capitals.

Brief Scorecard: Delhi Capitals 211/9 in 19.3 overs (Ashutosh Sharma 66*, Vipraj Nigam 39, Tristan Stubbs 34; Shardul Thakur 2/19) beat Lucknow Super Giants 209/8 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 75, Mitchell Marsh 72; Mitchell Starc 3/42, Kuldeep Yadav 2/20) by one wicket.