The Delhi Capitals once again demonstrated why they are considered one of the most dangerous teams in the IPL. They defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets at the latter's home ground, the Ekana Stadium, registering their sixth win of the season.
Sports News: In the 40th match of IPL 2025, the Delhi Capitals put on a stellar performance, defeating the Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets. Lucknow captain KL Rahul played a b innings, scoring an unbeaten 57 runs, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. For Delhi, opener Abhishek Porel gave the team a b start, scoring 51 runs off 36 balls. Captain Axar Patel then played an unbeaten 34 runs to secure the victory.
Lucknow's Innings: A Good Start, but Then a Collapse
After losing the toss and batting first, Lucknow got off to a great start thanks to the partnership of Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. The duo put on an 87-run partnership for the first wicket. Marsh scored 45 runs off 36 balls, while Markram played a half-century, scoring 52 runs off just 33 balls. However, once Markram was dismissed, Lucknow's innings faltered.
Delhi's bowlers, led by Mukesh Kumar, made a remarkable comeback. Key batsmen like Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, and captain Rishabh Pant failed to make significant contributions. Mukesh took 4 wickets for 33 runs in his 4 overs. Dushmantha Chameera and Mitchell Starc each claimed a wicket. Kuldeep Yadav, surprisingly, didn't take any wickets, a first for him this season.
KL Rahul and Porel's Half-Centuries
Delhi's chase of 160 runs began briskly. Karun Nair scored 15 runs before being dismissed. KL Rahul and young batsman Abhishek Porel then steadied the innings, punishing Lucknow's bowlers. They put on a crucial 69-run partnership for the second wicket.
Porel scored 51 runs off 36 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. This was Porel's first half-century of the season. He didn't stay at the crease for long, however, falling to a Markram delivery. But captain Axar Patel, who came in after Porel's dismissal, provided excellent support to KL Rahul.
Rahul and Axar shared an unbeaten partnership of 56 runs, with Axar smashing 34 runs off just 20 balls, including a four and four impressive sixes. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 57 runs off 42 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes, guiding his team to victory.
KL Rahul: A Double Celebration
In this match, KL Rahul achieved two significant milestones. He played an unbeaten half-century, playing a crucial role in his team's win, and he also reached 5000 IPL runs. He achieved this feat in just 130 innings, the fastest in IPL history, surpassing David Warner's record of 135 innings. Rahul has so far scored 323 runs in 7 innings this season at an average of 64.6.
Mukesh Kumar: The Bowling Backbone
If there was a hero in Delhi's victory, it was Mukesh Kumar. He bowled with exceptional line and length, taking 4 wickets and breaking Lucknow's back. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, and captain Rishabh Pant. Significantly, Pant was dismissed on the last ball of the innings without scoring.
Brief Scorecard
- Lucknow Super Giants: 159/6 (20 overs)
- Markram: 52 (33)
- Marsh: 45 (36)
- Mukesh Kumar: 4/33
- Delhi Capitals: 161/2 (17.5 overs)
- KL Rahul: 57* (42)
- Abhishek Porel: 51 (36)
- Axar Patel: 34* (20)
- Match Winner: Delhi Capitals (Won by 8 wickets)
